Richard Joseph Lafontaine, 86, of Wallingford, loving husband of Francine B. Lafontaine for 66 years, died Thursday, March 19, 2020 at home after a short illness.

Born in Meriden, April 4, 1933, he was the son of the late Joseph S. Lafontaine and Margaret C. (Pelatsky) Lafontaine. In addition to his wife Francine, he is survived by his children Cheryl (Leigh) Moore, Wendy (William) LaRose, Laurel (Wayne) Hazlett, Rhonda Lafontaine, and Richard Lafontaine, Jr. He was predeceased by his sister Lorraine Liseo and his son Scott Lafontaine. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren; Paula Dyer-Coffin, Melissa Perry, Renee Ruquist, Jennifer Smith, Stephanie Cohane, Shelby Datillo, David LaRose, Aubrey Briggs, Christopher Moore and Jaime Marino. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren Ryleigh Dyer, Avery Dyer, Marek Dyer, Cyrus Dyer, Teagan Perry, Nolan Perry, Kyra LaRose, Makena Breaux, Gage Briggs, Benjamin Marino, Nathan Marino and Madelyn Cohane. He is also survived by his two Godsons Clint Gniewek and John Waluk.

Richard was proud of his military service with the U.S. Army and held a lifetime membership in the VFW, DAV and American Legion. In his earlier years, he enjoyed riding his 1958 Indian Scout motorcycle and also played as a drummer in his band. After meeting his wife Francine, they enjoyed acrobatic roller skating together. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed many travels through Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean. In more recent years, he spent many happy hours building model ships, many of which have been displayed at the senior center. His children have been fortunate to personally receive one as his personal "gift of love". He could be found on Saturday nights dancing to Norm Flash and the Starfires, his favorite group, or you might find him on Thursdays at the senior center in the company of dear friends for dinner and entertainment.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many and will be sorely missed.

Due to the current health circumstances, A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. A private graveside service with military honors will be held in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meriden. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext. For online condolences visit: www.wallingfordfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record-Journal from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lafontaine

Sponsored by Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford.

13 Entries

Lois Whelan

March 26, 2020

Dear Laurel and Wayne,
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy at hearing of the loss of your father. We know what a great inspiration he was to you, and the warmth and joy that he brought to your lives. I am sure that you treasured all the moments that you were able to spend together, both big and small.
May your hearts be full of loving memories.
Lois & Paul

Melissa Perry

March 23, 2020

My heart is broken at the loss of this great man that I had the privilege of calling my Grandfather. I wish with all my heart that I could have been there today to say goodbye. I will love and miss you always. As soon as it's safe to travel we will come see you and say our goodbyes.

Wendy Cormier Philippi

March 23, 2020

Dear Mrs. LaFontaine and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of your husbands passing. I will always remember him as a man of few words but yet deeply sincere in his manner. He was undoubtedly a great match for you, Francine- who I remember as having a warm and outgoing way! I have such fond memories of you all! Please accept my deepest sympathy and God bless you all.

Karen Bartel

March 23, 2020

Rusty and family, I was saddened to see Richard had passed. I enjoyed seeing him at the mailbox complaining about all the catalogs you got in the mail. We both always got a chuckle from it. God bless, stay well, he will be missed❤

Mark Dattilo

March 23, 2020

Richard

You were an outstanding father, husband, provider, grandfather and great grandfather, you were an outstanding MAN !!!

RIP Richard. You will be missed.

bob ahrens

March 22, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. if you need anything rich give me a call sorry about you dad

James & Germaine Pelletier

March 21, 2020

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Rusty, and to your family. Richard was a very special friend, a kind and gentle man, and he will be missed.

LeeAnn Snedeker

March 21, 2020

Francine
I am so sorry for your loss of Richard.
Sending hugs to you and your family

Judy Plant Banack

March 21, 2020

So sorry to read of Rich passing..we were neighbors on Liberty St for several years and spent many Saturday nights at dances with them..Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beautiful wife and family..

Paul Merola

March 21, 2020

To Rusty, Cheri, and Rich's family;
I was saddened when Leigh told me of Rich's passing. Just know I am happy I had the pleasure knowing him all these years.
I know he will be missed very deeply by his family. He was a true gentleman in every aspect of the meaning. He was a nice man and a good father who raised a nice family.
May he rest in piece.

Jessica Prentiss

March 20, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am very sorry for your loss, please let me know if you need anything, Im right next door.

Lillian Ouellette

March 20, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

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