Francis Andre LaGrandeur

Francis Andre LaGrandeur age 77 passed away on Wednesday, January 28th at the Soldiers and Sailors home. Fran was born on March 5th, 1948, in Putnam, Connecticut to the late Leo and Dorothea LaGrandeur. Fran served for 6 years in the Navy stationed in Bermuda, Newfoundland Canada and Antigua. In his 40's, he graduated summa cum laude from Mercyhurst College with a Bachelor's Degree in English and a minor in Creative Writing followed by a Master's Degree in Special Education in 1992. He was a teacher at various school districts before he was hired at the Albion state prison. He retired in 2011 from the Albion State Prison where he worked as a teacher for students in the GED program. Fran loved listening and creating music, writing short stories, poetry and weight training. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing golf and pool with his brother and his son. He could fool his family into thinking he knew several languages but was actually only fluent in English. He had a great fondness for West Highland white terriers. He owned three over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lynn, children, Cheri Bartlett (Andy), and Shadd LaGrandeur (Erica) of North East, brother Leo LaGrandeur (Laurie), sisters Pam Britt (Stacy) and Dawn LaGrandeur of Wilmington, NC, grandchildren Malorie Patterson (Howard), Caleb Bartlett, Isabelle Odell (Joel), Afton LaGrandeur (Lily), Westley LaGrandeur and six great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life on February 7 at 1 PM at Harborcreek Community Church, 8800 Buffalo Road, immediately followed by a time of food and fellowship. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

Donations to Soldiers & Sailors Fund, Donations can be made by check or on line to PSSH-Welfare Fund Program. Checks can be sent to the PA Erie Soldiers & Sailors Home or on line to https://www.pa.gov/dmvq/donate/Donation/Create>