Paul W. LaFrance, Sr., 89, a native of Nashua NH, longtime resident of Winter Haven FL and more recently of Montpelier, Hanover County VA, died February 23, 2012, while in residence at the Elm Croft of Chesterfield Assisted Living Facility in Richmond VA. Paul was born in Nashua on December 12, 1922, the eldest son of the late Joseph and Alice (Baron) LaFrance. He was a proud veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Coast Guard and seeing action in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Allentown, PF52. He was equally proud of his 22 years of service with the Nashua Fire Department, having retired in 1975. Paul was longtime adult leader of the Boy Scouts of America, following his sons into that organization, initially at St. Patrick's Troop 261, then establishing an Explorer Post affiliated with the Nashua Fire Department. He was recognized by the American Red Cross for countless volunteer hours devoted to teaching First Aid to organizations and individuals throughout the area.

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Mildred (Brickey) LaFrance; brothers Leon LaFrance and George LaFrance; and sisters Jeannette LaFrance, Sister Rachel LaFrance, SCQ, and Ina Abood.

Paul is survived by his sons Paul W. LaFrance, Jr., and wife Janice of Montpelier VA and Roland R. LaFrance, Sr., and his wife Francesanne of Winter Haven FL; daughter Donna M. Butler and husband Michael of Warner NH; sisters Mary Anne Castonguay of Swanton VT, Cecile Duquette and Irene Taylor of Nashua, and Alice Plautz and husband Arthur, Sr., of Madison WI; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law Leonard Abood of Nashua.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home, 21 Kinsley St., Nashua. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, March 9, in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 48 W. Hollis St., Nashua. Burial will follow in St. Louis Cemetery.