Robert P. LaFleche

1930 - 2024

Robert P. LaFleche

Robert LaFleche, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Flower Hospital, on January 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. The youngest of six children, Bob was born on December 12, 1930, in Southbridge, Massachusetts to Isidore LaFleche and Lea Briere.

First in his family to attend college, and on a full scholarship, Bob went on to have a successful career, at Owens-Illinois (1951 to 1985) in Southbridge, Pittsburgh, and Toledo, as an Accountant, Administrative Manager, and finally a Comptroller. After retirement Bob served as the first non-clergy business manager at three Catholic churches; Sacred Heart (Fremont), St. Richard (Swanton), and St. Hedwig (Toledo.)

Throughout his life Bob, held many volunteer and leadership positions. While still in his 20's, he was President of the 8,000-member Employee Activities Association. He also shared his love and mastery of chess as an instructor and winning coach for the 5th - 8th grade students at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns School, who took 1st place in a city-wide tournament. He also served as PTA president, Church Treasurer, and together he and Alice founded and co-chaired the Senior Social Club at their church.

Bob lived a true love story that most can only dream of. He married the love of his life, Alice Proulx, on June 2, 1951, after a four-year courtship. They shared more than 65 years of a rich, fulfilling marriage, bound by agape love. Together Bob and Alice raised three children, Linda (Bob) Domini, David (Jacqueline) LaFleche, and Lisa Schuster.

Just eight months after their marriage, Bob's military service began with the U.S. Army, assigned to the military police, and achieving the rank of Corporal. He was stationed in Albuquerque, NM, where the newlyweds lived for two years. He received letters of commendation from commanding officers for his superior performance. Bob then served eight more years in the Army Reserves.

During their years together Bob and Alice loved to entertain friends, play cards, and host family events in a house always filled with love, laughter, food, and hugs. Bob was still playing, and winning at cards, chess, and cribbage, with devoted friends, Mike Lust, and Terry and Carol Fleishman, just a few weeks prior to his death.

One of his great loves was sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Bob dedicated himself to keeping his mind sharp by working his way through countless word-puzzle books and building jigsaw puzzles; a life-long hobby. He also loved to read and do his yardwork.

Bob was a man known for his faith, devotion to his family, kindness, integrity, and, above all, his never-wavering love for "his" Alice. The thought of them being together again, at last, is providing their loved ones with comfort and strength.

Surviving are his children; grandchildren, Matthew Drake, Heather (Dan) Trocchio, Lindsey LaFleche, Michael Schuster (Lenna McCoy) and Daniel (Angel) LaFleche; and great-grandchildren, Logan and Sophia LaFleche, and Atlas Trocchio.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43614, followed by a funeral Mass at noon at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614. Interment will be private at Resurrection Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio. In lieu of flowers Bob requested donations be made to his beloved St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church. Please leave a condolence message for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

www.coylefuneralhome.com