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Charles Joseph "Rusty" LaPlante Jr.
3/25/1947 - 3/7/2025
BORN
3/25/1947
DIED
3/7/2025
FUNERAL HOME
Charles LaPlante Obituary
Born March 25, 1947, in New London, to Charles LaPlante Sr. and Clare LaPlante of Niantic. Rusty lived a full life with one too many stories and many memories collected along the way. He began his career at Millstone in the carpenters union followed by founding C LaPlante Building and Remodeling, where he worked alongside his brother, until his retirement.
He was a simple man that loved to build and to be on a boat fishing. He owned several boats over the years all named "BRITCH" after his children. Fishing is where he found his calm. If he could fish with a buddy or a grandchild that was a perfect day. His three grandchildren were the apples of his eye and he attended tennis matches/tournaments, volleyball and softball games and graduations. Grandpa never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments to anyone he was talking to. Family holidays were often filled with his storytelling and jokes. He loved his family deeply.
He is survived by his daughter, Britt Spiegel and her husband Carl Spiegel of East Lyme; his son, Chad LaPlante and his wife Angela LaPlante of Niantic. Rusty was cherished by his grandchildren, Guillem Colom III, Kelly LaPlante and Allie LaPlante. He also leaves behind his sister, Colleen Gregson and her husband Brian Gregson of Southington; and a brother, Craig LaPlante and his wife Holly LaPlante of Salem; nieces, Roxanne Bafuma (husband Mike), Christine Kennedy (husband Sean), Lacey Baker (husband Zach); and nephew, Jason LaPlante (wife Holly).
Rusty shared a lifelong love with the mother of his children, Suzanne Curran (who predeceased him) and friendships with her family.
Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Ave., Niantic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Melanoma Research Foundation @ melanoma.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles LaPlante
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.
Virginia Whitehouse
March 18, 2025
To Chuck´s family, I remember him every time, I sit in my kitchen. He remodeled it for me. I am so sorry for your loss
Ginny Whitehouse.
Linda Venzke Brown
March 17, 2025
To Colleen and family. So sorry to hear about Rusty. Just want to let you know that I am thinking about you all. Linda Venzke Brown.
Jennifer Benoit
March 16, 2025
My sincere condolences to Rusty's family. Brody and I will miss him. Rusty was a great mentor and friend.
Deb Esposito
March 15, 2025
Mr. LaPlante was a favorite Member of ours at Charter Oak FCU in Niantic. He was always pleasant. Our Condolences to his Family. RIP Mr. LaPlante.
Andrea and Deb, COFCU Niantic.
John Vasko and Janice Johnson
March 15, 2025
Our deepest sympathies. Rusty was a good neighbor and a good friend. He will be missed.
Fran Rinoski
March 14, 2025
May find and happy memories of Rusty always remain with you. He loved you all and remain forever in your hearts. So sorry for your loss. May he RIP
Wayne LeBelle
March 14, 2025
We had some great times and fond memories down at Tighes, I´m glad to have known you..rest in peace Rusty..
Shirley Nott
March 13, 2025
To have known "Rusty" was a joy and to be related to him was a blessing. He was always so "up-cited" about life even when he got the news about the cancer. He decided then and there that he would live each day as his best. And he did.when we talked, which was every couple of months, he always had some new thing he was doing or seeing. always ready for the next chapter in his life. Love him and will miss him always,
Glenn Olsen
March 12, 2025
We're so sorry to hear of the passing of Rusty , he was a fixture in the Niantic community and will be sorely missed by many . Our condolences to the entire family .
Lou Pergiovanni
March 12, 2025
My family purchased Charlies house on Plant Street in 1991 and remember his good nature and regular guy demeanor. He had a great sense of humor, and will be missed by many. Condolences to his wonderful family and friends.
RIP Rusty
Lou Pergiovanni
Waterford, Ct.
Carol A Flanagan Dupuis
March 12, 2025
To Rusty's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. He was always fun and a great buddy during our high school years.
Nancy Gartley
March 12, 2025
Dear Craig, Holly and all the Family: I was so saddened to read of Rusty's passing and you all have my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Remembering good times with all of you at the Chopping Block, Nancy
Russell DiNoto
March 12, 2025
Rusty was always a good friend and family man he will be missed by all of us sorry for your loss may Rusty R.I.P.
Dave Fairman
March 12, 2025
Rest in Peace
Bill Dittman
March 12, 2025
RIP My Friend
Sharon Reagan
March 12, 2025
Chad,Craig and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Mark (Monty)
March 12, 2025
Rest in peace my friend. See you again down the road.
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