In Loving Memory...Our Founder, Family Member, and Friend

Francis B. LaFramboise, 91, of Thompson Hill Road, died Saturday, July 24, 2010 in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the loving husband of Pauline (LaVigne) LaFramboise. He was the son of the late Adelard and Angelina (Penelle) LaFramboise.

Born and raised on a family farm in Canterbury Connecticut, he was one of twelve children. He graduated from the first graduating class of Griswold High School and worked in an office for a short time before beginning a career in construction trades. He served for four years in World War II, and was stationed in England in the Army Air Corps as a bombardier. Upon his return, he worked in the construction trades for several years and in 1955, he founded LaFramboise Well Drilling. In 1969, he was named to the first statewide board that regulated well drilling and he served as its chairman. After his retirement in 1984, he served as an advisor to the company. Frank, as he was known to friends and family, was an avid gardener and enjoyed working in his garden and sharing his vegetables with friends and family. He read extensively and with his wife, Pauline, he traveled internationally and visited almost all 50 states. He was a great storyteller and especially enjoyed his role as Péperè, hosting family gatherings at his home in North Grosvenordale as recently as the Fourth of July.

In addition to his wife, Francis is survived by his son, Paul LaFramboise and his wife Nancy; his daughters, Elizabeth (Libby) Allison and her husband Robert, Suzanne Kline and her husband Gregory, Jean Degan and her husband William, and Claire LaFramboise and her companion, Larry Piers; his brother, Edward LaFramboise; his sisters, Helene Busher, and Alice Raymond; his grandchildren, James Allison, Francis Allison, Anne Kline, John Kline, Thomas Degan, Theresa Degan, Andrew Degan, Jeffrey LaFramboise, Eric LaFramboise, and Troy LaFramboise; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son, Bernard LaFramboise.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Francis's family from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, July 27, 2010 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT. A gathering will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Joseph Church, 20 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeast Connecticut, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260, or a charity of your choice.

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