John LaFleur Obituary

See you later Pop.
Steve

I am Carlo/Carl LaFleur, the nephew of John E. LaFleur, also the father of John P. LaFleur and son of Carlo LaFleur, John E. LaFleur´s younger brother.

While sitting in the funeral home, I realized I was the person in there who knew "Uncle John" the longest. That is a good thing as John has been a great uncle, friend throughout my entire life. It is also a bad thing since I am getting old:)

There were several thoughts, memories, family history going through my head during the service which I wanted to share. I was reluctant to get up and talk when the pastor asked.....not sure I would have managed.

o Uncle John was the oldest of 7 children in his family and the last one to pass on. This includes all of the spouses so that generation of the family is gone with his passing. He told me one of his earliest memories was the wake in their house for his brother Ernest who died from appendicitis as a young child.
o All 4 boys in the family volunteered to serve their country. Ernest, the fifth boy, I am sure would have served as well. For Uncle John to keep and maintain his U.S. Navy uniform for close to 80 years is truly remarkable. He was a proud Navy WWII veteran. He told me he tried to sign up on his 17th birthday, one month after Pearl Harbor, but his mother refused to sign. He signed up on his 18th birthday one year later. Years ago, I gifted Uncle John the book written by Tom Brokaw, " The Greatest Generation". After reading it, he told me he enjoyed it, was familiar with some of individuals and stories discussed in the book. He looked me in the eye and proudly said, "that is my generation".
o During the October 2011 snowstorm when he was 86 years old, since the parking lot was blocked, he walked in the snow the mile or two to the Cumberland Farms store in the early morning hours where he worked to open the store, make the coffee for his customers. He was known and liked by his customers and fellow employees....."Cumby John". He retired from there at the age of 90. Work kept his mind sharp and it was sharp to the end.
o As a young child, our families spent much time together. The adults used to play cards, or just visit. Gloria and Alice would babysit me. Aunt Ginny would always bring us bags of candy.... she spoiled the kids. I distinctly remember times well spent at their houses on Gordon Street and Esther Street. There would be gatherings at Christmas and special occasions at my grandparents´ house on Loretta Street.
o When I was 8 years old in 1967, I became a Red Sox fan. Realizing it was a tight pennant race, Uncle John purchased tickets for the last game of the season and took me to my first game. My father, Uncle John, Aunt Ginny, Uncle Stanley and I attended the game. As many know the Red Sox won the pennant that day and the crowd stormed the field. It is a memory I will never forget. As a birthday present that same year, he gave me a 1967 team autographed baseball which I still have and is a valued possession. As an adult, I attended Yaz´ hall of fame induction with him in Cooperstown.....also a great memory. Uncle John attended Red Sox world series games in 1946, 1967 (Lonborg´s one hitter), 1975 and 1986. He did not think he would get to see them win a world series but saw them win four. He was originally a Boston Braves fan but switched to the Red Sox when the Braves moved to Milwaukee in 1952.
o My grandmother still referred to him as "Johnny" even though he was 70 years old. He was still her little boy.
o Steve, Wendy and Kim were dedicated to him until his last day. He often spoke of that when we met and he was extremely grateful. He often said, "They are great to me."
o Uncle John´s preferred drink was Jack and ginger ale as those close to him knew. I would always have it ready when he came to my house or order for him when we met. I was fortunate to visit Uncle John in the hospital two days before he passed. He was struggling and I asked him if he wanted something to drink. When I got to the ginger ale he nodded "yes". I poured some into his mouth and jokingly asked if he wanted some "Jack" with it. He smiled and nodded "no".

Papa, I love you and will miss you very much! All my heart

Later in my life Papa was a source wisdom, a shoulder to lean on and a caring advisor when i had difficulties navigating life's harder decisions and issues. We were always checking on one another and he gave me a piece of advice when i was a pre-teen that i have always remembered. I will truly miss our talks and trying to make him laugh. He will be missed and loved, always.