Donald J. Lafond Sr.

WINCHENDON - Donald J. Lafond Sr., 76, of 350 Main Street, died peacefully Tuesday evening, April 7th at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Winchendon on June 15,1932, the son of the late Joseph Lafond and Doris (Coderre) Lafond Christian and was a lifelong resident of Winchendon. Don graduated from Murdock High School with the Class of 1951 and then entered military service. He proudly served as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954. Don worked for several years as a finish sprayer at the former Temple Stuart Furniture Company and then worked for many years as a union carpenter for Carpenters Union 107 in Worcester, until his retirement. He built his present Winchendon home in 1955. Don was a member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion and the Winchendon Golden Agers. He exercised daily and enjoyed physical activities, such as camping, hiking and kayaking. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Elaine A. (Parks) Lafond; three children, Donald J. "Rusty" Lafond Jr. and his wife Rose Marie of Winchendon, Deborah J. FitzGerald and her husband Kenneth of Milton and Brian K. Lafond and his wife Kelly of Winchendon; two brothers, Jerry Lafond of Kentucky and Robert Christian of Indiana; two sisters, Hazel O'Connell of Cape Cod and Betty Boisvert of Winchendon; four grandchildren, Leah Daigle and her husband Paul, Hollie McMaster and her husband Bryan, Kristen Lafond and Justin Lafond and his wife Heather; four great grandchildren, Kayla McMaster, Jolie McMaster, Camille Daigle and Arriane Daigle and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two brothers, Henry Lafond and Emil Lafond and a sister, H. Jeannette Rice, who died March 30th. Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 18th at 11 A.M. in Bethany Bible Chapel, 727 Spring Street, Winchendon. The Rev. Thomas Clinkscale will officiate. There are no calling hours. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gardner Visiting Nursing Association Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440. The Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements. www.snow-ladeau.com