Joseph Arthur Richard Lafreniere

Joseph A. Lafreniere, also known as Richard, or "Sarge" by friends and acquaintances, was a retired Air Force recruiter and resident of Manchester, NH, who died at the age of 89 after a brief illness on December 17, 2022 with his family by his side.

Joseph is predeceased by his loving wife, Barabara Jean (Cyr) Lafreniere; his eldest daughter, Deborah Ann Lafreniere; his parents and his siblings.

Joseph was born in Lowell, MA in 1933 to his father, Artheme G. Lafreniere, and to his mother, Cora R (Laforge) Lafreniere.

Joseph was a very patriotic man who had a long and satisfying career in the Armed Forces, which he loved, including:

U.S. ARMY - Honorable Service from Oct. 1950 to Sept. 1953.  While serving in the Army, 25th Infantry Division, 27th Wolfhound Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Fox Company, Joseph was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action against the enemy in Korea on Sept. 1, 1951.

U.S. AIR FORCE - Honorable Service from Apr. 1955 to Apr. 1973.  He served as an Aircraft Mechanic, and later served as a TSgt Air Force Recruiter until he retired in 1973.

Joseph married Barbara Jean Cyr in Maine in 1954.  He was a very devoted father to his four daughters:

Deborah Ann Lafreniere of Sebastopol, CA (now deceased);

Robin Mae Croteau of Manchester, NH;

Shirley Jean Lepine of Manchester, NH;

and Catherine "Kitty" Eileen Land of Long Creek, SC.

He lovingly referred to his wife and children as "my five girls."

He also had 5 Grandchildren and 4 Great-Grandchildren who affectionately called him Pepere or "Pep".

Once he retired from the Air Force, he was then a manager at the Queen City Avenue location of Merit Oil Corporation, where he eventually retired in 1996.  He was a great provider for his family, sometimes holding down two or three jobs at a time to be sure his wife could stay at home to raise their children.  He and his wife were quite the team!

Joseph was a modest, hardworking man who was also remarkably generous in nature.  He had a very giving spirit towards all.

Joseph was a very talented homeowner who was not afraid to tackle and repair projects around the house, such as electrical, plumbing, construction, woodworking, etc, and was known as "Mr Fix It Man" by all.  He always came to the aid of his family and neighbors who would need his expertise in repairing what needed to be done.  His perfectionism was evident in the many things he accomplished.  He even repaired his older model vehicles.

Joseph loved vegetable gardening, and would put the abundance of his harvest in his handmade cart, and would distribute his produce to his neighbors around the neighborhood with his daughter, Kitty.  He opened an in-ground swimming pool for his family to enjoy, and would even be known to execute the most perfect jackknife dive while swimming himself!  He was a wonderful family man who embraced life tenaciously.  He shall be missed greatly.

SERVICES: There will be a private burial service for the immediate family to attend at the NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscowan, NH.