Leo P. LaChance

Leo P. LaChance, 87, of 60 Chapman Park, Gardner died Monday, November 3rd in his residence, surrounded by his family after a long illness.

Born in Frenchville, Maine on March 16, 1921, he was the son of the late Donat and Annie (Martin ) LaChance.

Mr. LaChance was a developer who owned and operated LaChance Associates in Gardner. He was a real estate insurance agent who also did appraisals for estates, banks, individuals and businesses. He, with his brother Luke founded LaChance Furniture and Appliance Co. in Gardner. Leo loved his work, and was successful in all his endeavors. He was very proud of the Greater Gardner Community and supported many projects and organizations through he and his wife Theresa's generous charitable gifts.

Leo graduated from St. Agatha High School, St. Agatha, Maine in 1940.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Gardner. Leo was a member of the Gardner Rotary Club, the American Legion Post 129 of Gardner, the Gardner Lodge of Elks 1426, VFW Ovila Case Post 905 of Gardner, and a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, Gardner Council #396. He was named Man of the Year by the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce in 1976. He was on the Board of Trustees for Heywood Hospital. He was a member and past president of the North Worcester County Board of Realtors, a member of the State Board of Directors, a member of the Board of the National Institute of Real Estate Brokers, Board Representative for the North Worcester County Board, trainer for Real Estate Agents under the Veterans Administration, Property Manager and Contact Sales Broker for the Veterans Administration, and was voted Realtor of the Year in 1965. He was the Executive Director of the Gardner Housing Authority in 1946, and he was the Campaign Chairman for "Caring for the Future" which raised $3.1 million for Heywood Hospital.

Leo was a WWII United States Air Force Veteran, and received the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon and the African Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal.

Mr. LaChance enjoyed golfing, skiing, volleyball, sailing, water-skiing, playing tennis, traveling and politics.

He leaves his wife of 66 years, Theresa M. (Bouthot) LaChance of Gardner whom he married January 6, 1942; one son, Kenneth P. LaChance of Templeton; three daughters, Paula Donovan and her husband Dick of Coral Gables, FL, Donna Rouisse of Amherst, MA and Nicole R. LaChance of Gardner; five grandchildren, Rick Donovan of Ft Lauderdale, FL, Mike Donovan of Miami, FL, Scott Rouisse of Manchester, MA, Steven Rouisse, Boulder, CO and Julie Pagoda of Amherst, MA; three great-grandchildren, Brandon Candelaria, Kayla Rios and Brooke Pagoda all of Amherst, MA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by five brothers, Luke, Louis, Arthur, Gerry and George LaChance; and by one sister, Anita Raymond.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 5th from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial will be at a later date. Calling hours in the funeral home will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the MWCC Foundation Inc., c/o the Leo and Theresa LaChance Library Fund, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

www.boucherfuneral.com