Robert Louis Lafond, Jr.

Robert Louis Lafond, Jr., 68, of Manchester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in the New London Hospital on August 8, 2021 after an arduous battle with lung cancer. Despite the challenges, Robert showed his courage in facing life with a smile and he was an inspiration, staying strong until the end. 

He is survived by his daughter Laura and her husband Geoffroy Mercier of Dover, NH; his son Matthew and his husband Richard Moore of Rancho Santa Fe, CA and his grandchildren Noah, Flora Belle, Lukas and Ella; his sister Elizabeth Larrabee and her husband, Mark of New London; brother Michael and his wife Gretchen Booth of Bedford; sister Lynne Paul and her husband Tom Garner of Northwood, NH; sister Judith of Manchester; his former wife and mother of his children, Pamela Reilly Lafond of Dover and Rancho Santa Fe; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Louise Latvis and her husband Steven of Nashua.

Born in Cherry Point, North Carolina on November 12, 1952,  Robert was the eldest of Robert & Isabella (Koczela) Lafond’s six children. He attended St. Catherine School and graduated from Bishop Bradley HS class of 1970. Robert attended UNH in Durham and majored in Philosophy with the class of 1974.

Robert’s first job was delivering newspapers to the Union Leader customers in his neighborhood. He was employed at Bunny’s Superette during his high school years where he developed lifelong friendships. He held various jobs during and after college, but he spent the majority of his professional career back where he started, at the Union Leader newspaper working in advertising sales and retiring in 2009.

Robert’s philosophical nature led him to explore various disciplines in the ethereal realm. He was an avid astrologer, often charting and interpreting birth charts for family and friends, a certified Ericksonian hypnotist, I Ching student, palm reader and tarot card reader. You could often find Robert with his nose in a book; he loved discovering new subjects and his interests were extensive. He was happiest spending time with family, gardening and practicing Tai Chi amongst nature. Robert strove for self improvement each day and was a true student of life. His sense of humor and unique insights will be greatly missed.

He traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada, and also visited Europe, Columbia, Thailand and New Zealand.  His most frequent trips were from a comfortable chair where he practiced Transcendental Meditation twice daily for nearly 50 years.

The family is grateful for the outstanding end of life care provided by the New London Hospital staff. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the organizations who provided end of life care and equipment, Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice, PO Box 2207, New London, NH 03257  or the Chapin Senior Center, PO Box 1263, New London, NH 03257.

The family will hold a luncheon celebration of Robert’s life on Saturday November 6, 2021 at 4 Frost Rd. Northwood, NH at 2:00 pm where you will be invited to share your remembrances and partake in some of Robert’s favorite pastimes amongst his loved ones.