Oliver Albert LaFrance

Oliver Albert LaFrance, 70, of Fiskdale, passed away Tuesday, July 8th, in the Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge, from long-term health complications.

He leaves his beloved wife of 51 years, Billie Jean (Cone) LaFrance; four children: Joseph LaFrance of Holland, Jerome LaFrance and his wife Mary of Holland, Sharon LaFrance of Southbridge and Michele Latour and her husband Barry of Fiskdale; as well as two grandsons who he loved dearly, Zachary Sheridan of Southbridge and Daniel Peet of Fiskdale. He also leaves his brother, Robert LaFrance of Fairbanks, Alaska; his life-long friend, Emile Charest and several nieces and nephews. He was born Aug. 18, 1937 in Lawrence, the son of Oliver and Simone (Thibault) LaFrance and lived there until his late teens. He lived in the Chicopee area for several years and lived in Holland and Southbridge before moving to Fiskdale. He was a US Marine Corps Veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1954 to 1958.

Oliver worked almost his entire career as an owner/operator long distance truck driver, retiring from North American Van Lines in 1995 where he specialized in hauling for the Electronic Exhibits division. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling to new places and meeting new people. In his career as a truck driver, he drove to all 48 continental United States and would tell endless interesting stories about his travels. Everyone who spent time with Oliver liked him and he leaves behind many other dear family and friends. He was a loyal, caring person who helped many people. He will be sadly missed by all.

He would wish that anyone honoring his memory do a good deed for someone to help them along their path of life. As per his wishes, there are no calling hours and his memorial service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720 or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted Street, Suite 201, Chicago, Ill. 60642-2642.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.

morrillfuneralhome.com