Richard A. LaFreniere

WINCHENDON – Richard A. “Jitter” LaFreniere, 82, of Winchendon, died on Sunday, August 2, 2020 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester.

He was born in Winchendon on November 29, 1937, son of the late Maxime J. and Antoinette (Plouffe) LaFreniere, and lived in Winchendon for most of his life.

After graduation from Murdock High School in 1956, Jitter proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to 1960.  After his tour of duty, he worked for various grocery stores as a produce manager.  He then worked in the maintenance department for Winchendon Furniture Co, Temple Stuart Co., and finally, ChemDesign in Fitchburg until his retirement in 2000.

He enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Winchendon School Golf Course from 2000 until it closed in 2017.  He then played at various area golf courses.  He liked maintaining his home and grounds.  He also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his son and family.  Jitter had a quick wit, with a little sarcasm thrown in sometime, but always in good fun.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Ruth (Anderson) LaFreniere; one son, Ryan A. LaFreniere of Ashburnham; two grandchildren, Meghan LaFreniere and her husband Nathan Dennis of Winchendon and John “Jack” LaFreniere and Lou Pena; three great grandchildren and a brother-in-law, Gary L. Anderson and his wife Anne of Dover, N.H.  He also leaves one brother, Anthony LaFreniere and his wife Doris of Winchendon; and a sister Juanita Prentiss of Indiana.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by three brothers, Oliver, Ernest and Douglas LaFreniere; six sisters, Rita Knowlton, Germaine Hutchinson, Jeannette Ward, Pauline LeVierge, Joanne Rajaniemi and Beatrice Tatro.

Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Winchendon Fire Department, EMS, 405 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com