Ronald R. LaFosse 1940-2026

Ronald R. LaFosse 1940-2026

Ronald R. LaFosse, 86, of Westfield, formerly of Easthampton, Shutesbury, Lake Wyola, and Tarpon Springs, Florida, passed away at Baystate Medical Center on October 19, 2026.

Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Ron was the son of Hector and Simone (Bolduc) LaFosse. After graduating from St. Bernard High School, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1959 and proudly served as a communications specialist in Korea. He was honorably discharged on February 14, 1963.

On February 27, 1960, Ron married the love of his life, Diane Rose (St. Jacques) LaFosse. Together, they shared more than 66 years of marriage, building a beautiful life centered on love, family, and devotion to one another.

Ron had a lifelong curiosity and a love of learning, creativity, and hands-on projects. He especially enjoyed spending time fishing from his boat at Lake Wyola. He also loved working on puzzles, woodworking, and exploring the possibilities of 3D printing. His many interests reflected his inquisitive nature and the joy he found in creating and discovering new things.

Ron continued his education by studying electronics and business at New England College and Northeastern University. He went on to build a successful 24-year career with Digital Equipment Corporation.

Throughout his life, Ron embraced his entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed pursuing a variety of business ventures. He owned a real estate company, operated a family rubber stamp business alongside Diane, and co-owned the Loudville Store in Westhampton. His strong work ethic and willingness to take on new challenges were hallmarks of his life.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ron was devoted to helping others and serving his community. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a hospice caregiver and an active member of his church community. His commitment to service extended to his former membership in the Easthampton Rotary Club, his involvement in hospice care in the Greenfield area, and his service on the Board of Realtors. Through these efforts, Ron touched many lives with his generosity, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Above all, Ron’s greatest accomplishment was the loving family he and Diane built together. The values of hard work, kindness, compassion, and service that guided his life will live on through the generations that follow him. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his generous spirit, his many talents and interests, and the countless ways he made a difference in the lives of those around him.

Ron leaves behind his beloved wife, Diane LaFosse of Westfield; his children, Stephen LaFosse of Easthampton; Cheryl and Stephen Dodge of Peru, Massachusetts; Carol and Jeffrey Parsons of Florence; David and Anne-Marie LaFosse of Southampton; and Julie and Craig Babyak of Southampton. He also leaves his sisters, Joan Irwin of Spring, Texas, and Nancy Pulley of Easthampton.

Ron was a loving grandfather to nine grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

Ron will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love, kindness, and enduring devotion to family and community will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 1, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA. A graveside committal service will be held in the chapel at St. Joseph Cemetery 487 Clarendon St, Fitchburg, MA. on Monday, November 2, at noon.

Memorial donations may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home VNA Hospice Fund.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Armbrook Village, especially the “Blue Angels,” for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to both Ron and Diane in recent years.