John Lachapelle

1947 - 2025

John Lachapelle
09/22/2025
John Lachapelle 77, of Westbrook, CT passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 22, 2025. He was born on October 21, 1947 in Worcester, MA, the youngest of five children. John was predeceased by his father Edmund Lachapelle and his mother Eileen Lachapelle, sister Susanne of the Little Sisters of the Assumption Harlem, NY, sister Claire Anderson and her husband Douglas Anderson, and sister Yvonne Souliere of Portland, Maine.
He is survived by his beloved wife Claudia Trainer/Lachapelle of Westbrook, his son John David Lachapelle and his wife Michelle, grandchildren Takuone Geato and Briana Lachapelle of Newport, RI, twin grandchildren Kayla and Carter Geato, sister Judith Zalansky and her husband Micheal of Leicester, MA. John has many cousins and nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Stonehill College. He furthered his education with a Master's Degrees from SCSU and Saint Joseph's College. He served 6 years in the National Guard as a medic and Drill Instructor.
John began his career with the Department of Children and Families. He was the Director of the Careline for Abuse and Neglect. In 1989 he was promoted to Superintendent of Long Lane School in Middletown, CT. John was well loved by staff and students. He enjoyed motivating the students to succeed and return to the community.
John retired after of 35 years of Service. DCF. He and Claudia moved to Franconia, NH where they lived for 18 years. He was a driver for Meals on Wheels for 20 plus years. He served as Franconia town selectman for many years. John loved the White Mountains. He worked part time at Cannon, MT, (4200 feet) as a tram operator. He often shared shared stories of extreme winds and temperatures. He was an enthusiastic gardener and golfer.
John and Claudia moved back to CT in 2021 to be close to family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light in his life. Over the past several years John fought a long and courageous battle with dementia and Alzheimer's.
We will be forever grateful to Westbrook Fire and Police, caring neighbors, MMH Home Care, Golden Horizons of Old Saybrook, and Mind Matters day program where he was always greeted with a smile and a hug. Their commitment to compassionate care made it possible for him to remain home until a few weeks of life Joh was best known for his sense of humor and dignity during his final days.
John's life was defined by devotion to his family and service to others. His enduring sense was with him to the end. He will be greatly missed by friends and family who hold many wonderful memories of him.
A Celebration of John's Live is planned for later this month with close and family.