Worcester - John J. LaPrade passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2025.
A lifelong Worcester resident, John was born on October 6, 1949 to the late Leon and Cecile (Comtois) LaPrade. He leaves behind his brother David and his wife, Christine of Sterling and sister Jeanne Garvey of Holden along with many nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his sister, Anne Tortorello.
John leaves his partner of 25 years, Paul Maffei, who was John's strength. Paul was an amazing and loving care giver in the days prior to John's passing.
Among his many dear friends, John also leaves behind his often referred to as "girlfriend" Chris Cross, whose friendship has endured since 1984.
John was educated in Worcester public schools and graduated in 1967. He went on to further his education at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Worcester State University and later in life was a student at the Worcester Art Museum. He won first place in the Worcester Biennial for a piece from his Postage Stamp Series. He has been awarded multiple Art Lottery Grants and was awarded a Fellowship for artistic excellence in 2005. His favorite medium was watercolor referring to them as prayers in visual form. John expressed himself through his art and poetry.
During the many family gatherings at his brothers' home in Sterling, you would find John as the last member of the family to leave the dinner table, stating that he savors food and that eating is an artform, not to be rushed. He was the official prayer giver on these occasions, often needing to be kicked under the table signifying to wrap it up. Uncle John will be missed by his nephews, David, Daniel, Tim and niece Sara LaPrade along with the next generation of young children, Evan, Chase, Addison and Jake LaPrade in which he had such a strong presence. He loved sharing his treasures as Christmas gifts with them and they all appreciated the many stories that went along with these treasures.
John will forever be a part of such good, kind and loving memories.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 11 at 10:30 AM in St. George Church 38 Brattle St. Worcester. A visitation period will take place in the church from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the Mass. Burial will take place in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester immediately following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers please donate to St. John's Food for the Poor Program at St. Francis Xavier Center, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 0160.
Marchand Memorial Homes – Alfred Roy & Sons - Henry Funeral Service Memorial Chapel is honored to direct funeral arrangements. To share a memory or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.MarchandMemorialHomes.com