Armand Joseph "Mal" LaFleche

Armand Joseph "Mal" LaFleche Died - November 4, 2013 Waterford - Armand Joseph "Mal" LaFleche, 87, of Waterford, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday, November 4. Born in Ballouville, he was the beloved son of the late Armand LaFleche, Sr., and Hellen (Kalinosky) LaFleche, and the stepson of Antoinette (Poulin) LaFleche. He worked for many years for Pervel Industries and later for the women's prison in Niantic. He loved many things in life, most of all his family. He was known for his infectious laugh, and his ability to tell stories. He turned family gatherings into a theater-in-the-round experience, sharing his daily experiences and turning them into grand stories with gestures, sound effects, humorous dialogue and laughter. He kept his humor and high spirits during years of declining health and delighted in watching the Red Sox clinch another World Series just a few days before his death. After his retirement, he enjoyed many years of wintering in Florida with his wife. He is survived by his wife Carolyn LaFleche; his children, Robert LaFleche, of Brooklyn, and Ellen LaFleche (Clobridge) of Northampton, Ma.; his grandchildren, Celine Vienneau of Millbury, Ma., and Robert LaFleche, Jr., of Plainfield. He considered Celine' s husband, Jeremy Vienneau, to be his honorary grandson, and his son-in-law John Clobridge to be his honorary son. He was recently blessed with a great-grandson, Jackson Vienneau. He met Jackson for the first time a few weeks before he passed away, and described the experience of holding that newborn baby on his lap as the happiest moment of his life. He is also survived by five stepchildren, with whom he shared many good times and adventures: Nancy, Susan, Gail, Diane and John Faria. He is also survived by his siblings Edgar "Pete" LaFleche, Harris LaFleche, and May Burns, and several nieces and nephews. There will be a Funeral Service at 11 A.M. on Friday, November 8, 2013, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. There will be a calling hour from 10 A.M. until 11. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in New London. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Niantic American Legion Post 128, 16 York Ave., Niantic, CT 06357; or to the American Cancer Society, 238 W Town St, Norwich, CT 06360. Condolence messages may be left on Mr. LaFleche's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.