Gerard B. LaChance

Gerard B. LaChance, age 82, of Fall River, died Saturday, April 10, 2010 at New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation in Stoughton. He was the husband of Julia J. (Heroux) LaChance to whom he had been married for 54 years.

Born in Fall River a son of the late Emile R. and Helena (Robitaille) LaChance, he was a lifelong resident of the city. Mr. LaChance attended former Msgr. Prevost High School and later received his Bachelor’s Degree in education from Fitchburg State College. A Korean War Veteran, he served in the U.S. Army in the 715th Army band in Germany and the 215th Army Reserve Band for over 30 years. Mr. LaChance was the department head and taught electronics at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School for 26 years until his retirement in 1994.

A part time musician, he played at various local venues including the Quequechan Club, South Point Nursing Home, the Brockton VA Hospital and Whites Restaurant. Mr. LaChance was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Swansea, the Diman Breakfast Club and the local #216 Musicians Union. He had a passion for politics, playing cards and the piano.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children David B. LaChance and his wife Jane of Raynham, Claudette Torres of Assonet, Francine LaChance of Arlington, and Kathleen Galang and her husband Roy of Wayland, two brothers Robert LaChance of Dover, NH and Roland LaChance of CT, seven grandchildren, Beth and Kristen Torres, Robert Torres Jr., Meridith and Nicholas Galang and Jonathan and Daniel LaChance and many nieces and nephews. He was also brother of the late Rev. Pierre, Normand, Hector, Raymond, Emile and Bertrand LaChance, and Beatrice Golden, Lillian Desmarais and Juliette Lessard.

His funeral will be held Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 10AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at CHERRY PLACE, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 1335 N. Main Street, Fall River. Visiting Hours Wednesday from 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.