WORCESTER-Leo J. “Shorty” LaPlante, 79 of 187 Greenwood Street, formerly of 244 Belmont Street died Friday, August 23rd at home. He leaves 4 sons; Ronald E. and James R. LaPlante both of Worcester, Ralph W. LaPlante in Connecticut and Bruce D. LaPlante of Bolton, 3 daughters; Donna Rogan and Kathleen LaPlante both of Worcester and Linda Brewer of Northbridge, a brother; Roland LaPlante of Auburn, 4 sisters; Celia Rhodes, Rose Anne Stepanauskas, Helen Kelly all of Worcester and Pauline Chagnon of Millbury, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. He was predeceased by 2 sons; Kenneth Stoliker of Worcester and Dennis R. LaPlante of Ft. Lauderdale, a brother Raymond LaPlante of Auburn and 2 sisters; Marie Villnave and Agnes Mahan both of Worcester.
He was born in Worcester the son of Dorila and Zelia (Bouley) LaPlante. Mr. LaPlante was a World War 2 Army veteran. He had been a printer for Paramount Press retiring in 1988, he later worked as a printer for Atlas Press. He had served as a volunteer for the Seven Hills Foundation on Hope Avenue and at Our Lady of Fatima Church. Mr. LaPlante was a member of the Vernon Hill Post American Legion, and the Worcester Boys and Girls Club. He enjoyed cards and bingo, and was an avid sports fan, especially the Boston Red Sox.
The funeral will be Monday, August 26th from O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Church, 600 Cambridge Street. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, August 25th, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Massachusetts, Inc. Hospice Program, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.