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William Carl LaFleur

1936 - 2022

William Carl LaFleur obituary, 1936-2022, Westerly, RI

William LaFleur Obituary

Deacon William Carl LaFleur, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 at the age 85, in the tender care of Hospice at Westerly Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Carl was a 21-year resident of Westerly, RI. He was born in Hartford, CT on October 16, 1936, the son of Alice & William Carlton LaFleur. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Dawn (Finan) LaFleur, daughter Susan LaFleur & husband Alex Zemcov, son Douglas LaFleur, wife Teresa (Carey) LaFleur and their three children: Rowan, Bridey & Maeve; his brother David LaFleur & wife Eugenia living in Sarasota, FL - their children are Carl's beloved nieces and nephews: Jennifer LaFleur, Sarah LaFleur, Nora Johnson, Eugenia Murray-McGinnis, and Michael Murray. Carl also has devoted nieces and nephews on his wife's Finan family side: Bill Finan, John Finan, Stacey O'Connor, Sara O'Brien, Kelly Fuller and Brian Finan.
Carl was raised in West Hartford, CT and graduated Loomis School in Windsor, CT in 1954. He was president of Student Council, excelled in football, basketball, track and was awarded the Trinity College Book Prize for high scholastic standing and service to his school. Carl achieved a B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1958, M.S. from Southern CT State College in 1973, and Administrative Certification from Fairfield University in 1979.
Carl enjoyed a career teaching youth with developmental disabilities, as a Special Education Teacher at Torrington High School 1973-79, in administering 2 regional centers in Connecticut and New Hampshire for developmentally delayed youth and adults, and as a Special Education teacher at Jaffrey-Rindge NH Middle School 1991-2000. Post retirement in Rhode Island, Carl found himself drawn into the role of Principal of Sacred Heart School in Groton, CT 2004-2007.
He treasured the gift of life, all opportunities to be of service and endeavored to stay close to the Lord. Carl studied at St. Thomas Seminary and was Ordained to the permanent Diaconate in 1977 by Reverend John F. Whealon D.D., Roman Catholic Archbishop of Hartford. Carl served for 45 years until his passing.
Calling hours will be held at Buckler-Johnston Funeral home, 121 Main Street, Westerly on Sunday, April 10th, 2-5pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 11th at 10am at St. Clare Roman Catholic Church, 62 Crandall Avenue, Westerly.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul in honor of Carl's service and dedication to their organization. Donations to their local chapter can be mailed to: St Vincent DePaul Society, P.O. Box 1014, Westerly, RI 02891
Founded in 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an organization of lay Catholics, following Christ's call to serve the poor, the suffering, and the deprived. Through home visits, Vincentian members establish personal relationships with our neighbors in need, not only providing material assistance such as rent, utilities, food, or clothing, but also offering friendship, understanding, and prayer. To learn more about the national mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, please visit: http://www.svdpusa.org/

Published by The Westerly Sun on Apr. 8, 2022.
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Memories and Condolences
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Carl was also a deacon at St Francis Church in Torrington CT, many many years ago; he was much loved and admired by us there. He was a great homilist. God bless him and keep him. Mary H. Cashman

Mary H Cashman

Other

May 4, 2022

Carl was an absolute gem of a man. He was, without a doubt, the most positive and "glass-half-full" person I´ve ever met. One couldn´t help but walk away from a conversation with him feeling happy and blessed to know him. I enjoyed my last visit with him a few days before he passed, and miss him very much, as we all will. Heartfelt condolences sent to Miss Dawn and the entire family. May Carl rest in eternal peace.

Robert J. Chiaradio, Jr.

April 13, 2022

I'm so sorry to learn of Deacon Carls passing, I worked with him at SHS and he helped me get through a very tough time as a parent, he was a wonderful man and a great Principal. May he rest in Peace.

ROSEMARY ACKLEY

April 11, 2022

Carl was so filled with the Holy Spirit! Such a kind, loving humble man, a blessing to know. God bless you Dawn, Doug and Su...

Karen

Family

April 10, 2022

Dawn and family, so sorry for your loss. Deacon Carl was a close friend of my dad, and he will be missed.

Lou Murano

April 10, 2022

Love Anna

April 8, 2022

I worked with Carl many years ago at Sacred Heart School in Groton. He was the kindest sweetest man. Always pushing the students and staff to be their best. I still remember him so fondly. May he Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to the family

Tracey Davies

Work

April 8, 2022

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Memorial Events
for William LaFleur

Apr

10

Calling hours

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home - Westerly

121 Main Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Apr

11

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Clare Roman Catholic Church

4 Saint Clare Way, Westerly, RI

Funeral services provided by:

Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home - Westerly

121 Main Street, Westerly, RI 02891

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