Obituary: Frederick T. LaChance, 86, of Prospect

Obituary courtesy of Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home

PROSPECT - Frederick T. LaChance, 86, of Prospect passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Vitas St. Mary’s . He was the loving husband of Dolores (Baribault) LaChance for over 63 years. Fred was born June 13, 1935 in Waterbury, a son of the late Frank and Anna (Vitzoski) LaChance.

Fred was a graduate of Wilby High School Class of 1954 where he excelled in baseball and basketball. Being a lefty, which was his nickname, he always kept opposing batters on their toes. Fred was a proud member of the Wilby 1953 State Champion Basketball Team.

After high school, Fred enlisted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country stationed in Germany. He then married the love of his life, Dolores, and together they raised their family of four children in Prospect. As an eyelet toolmaker, Fred worked as lead set up man for Eyelet Specialty Co. for over thirty years. He then went to work for Stevens Company from which he retired in 2002.

Fred enjoyed spending time with family and friends vacationing at Old Orchard Beach in Maine and Lake Champlain in Vermont. Along the way, Fred realized his true passion in life which was fishing. He was a member of Lake Quassapaug Sportsman Club where he spent endless hours pursuing the “big one”.

When Fred wasn’t fishing, he would devote his time to attending his children’s sporting events and later in life that of his grandchildren’s. Fred’s other life mission was maintaining the perfect lawn which he spent many hours trying to achieve.

Fred was a gentle soul who loved life and will be missed by all those who had the pleasure to know and love him. Left to cherish his love and memory are his beloved wife Dolores, sons: Richard (Jolynn) of Fla., David (Linda) of Prospect, Gregory (Kim) of Prospect and daughter Lisa (William) White of Prospect. Fred will be so missed by his adoring grandchildren Nicolette, Anthony, David, Steven and Samantha, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Fred joined his grandson Ryan J. White in heaven as well as brothers Frank and Kenneth LaChance and sister Jacqueline Spillane.

A funeral mass will be held on March 30, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect. Military Honors will be accorded after mass. Friends and family are invited to visit with the LaChance family on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. For directions, information or to share a fond memory, photo or words of comfort for Fred’s family please visit www.prospectmemorial.com

In lieu of flowers and in tribute to Fred, take your child or a veteran fishing