Robert A LaChance

Robert LaChance

1939 - 2026

North Grosvenordale – Robert LaChance, 86, of Rachel Dr, died Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, at Day Kimball Hospital, surrounded by his loving children. He was the loving husband of the late Pauline (Turgeon) LaChance who passed away on August 13, 2024. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Armand and Rhea (LaFlamme) LaChance.

Mr. LaChance received his Bachelor of Science degree in education from the State Teachers College "CCSU" graduating with the class of 1961. He furthered his education at Uconn Storrs Campus where he received his master's degree and 6th Year Certificate.

Mr. LaChance worked for many years as a teacher at the Putnam Middle School and was a member of the Army National Guard from 1966 – 1987, where he was an instructor at the Officer Candidate School, he attained the rank of Sargent Major.

He was a proud member of the Thompson Lions Club where he was president from 2001 – 2002, Lion of the year in 2003 and 2009, and received the prestigious Melvin Jones and CT Knight of the Blind awards. He was also a member of American Red Cross, St. Joseph Church where he sang in the choir, a member of the board of directors at the Thompson Library, volunteered at the Day Kimball Hospital, and volunteered for many Thompson town events which earned him the Citizen of the Year.

He enjoyed reading, going on cruises and being a world traveler with his late wife Pauline, going out for meals with his friends fondly known as the "Awesome Fivesome", but, above all he cherished the quality time that he spent with his family.

Robert is survived by his children, Catherine Festo and her husband John of New Canaan, Michael LaChance and his wife Vivien of Seymour, and David LaChance of Woodstock; his brother, James LaChance and his wife Nancy of Guilford; his grandchildren, Cynthia Poplaski and her husband Nicholas, Lauren LaChance, Timothy Festo, and his wife Rose Capomolla, and Brittany LaChance, and his cherished great grandchildren, Lilah Poplaski, Mason Poplaski, and Dustin Festo.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Robert's family from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026 and Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM, in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main Street, North Grosvenordale, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM at St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., North Grosvenordale. In lieu of flowers due to the Lenten season, memorial donations in Robert's memory may be made to St. Joseph Food Pantry, P.O. Box 665, Putnam, CT 06260 or Thompson Lions Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 28, Thompson, CT 06277, for a student that wish to pursue a career in education. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.