Denis W. Laferriere, 69, of Woonsocket died Thursday October 1, 2026 at home. Born in Woonsocket he was the beloved son of Lucille G. (Beausoleil) Laferriere of Woonsocket and the late Laurent R. Laferriere who passed away in 2002. Denis was raised in Woonsocket and graduated from Woonsocket High School with the class of 1976.
In his earlier years Denis worked at Electric Boat in Quonset. He spent over 20 years living and working in the Pompano Beach, Florida area in the metal framing construction field. Returning to his roots in Woonsocket, Denis was employed for over 15 years with the City of Woonsocket Highway Department before retiring.
Denis was a member of the Cercle Laurier and had recently joined the Woonsocket Knights of Columbus Council # 113. He was a die-hard New England sports fan. His year revolved around the seasons of the Bruins in winter, Red Sox all summer long and of course come fall, he rooted for “his” Patriots.
Denis lived each and every day of his 69 years to the fullest and savored every moment he was blessed to have. He found deep solace in the great outdoors while fishing and hunting throughout western Rhode Island and South County areas. Summers brought Denis to the family cottage in Sonquipaug on Watchaug Pond in Charlestown where he enjoyed spending time with family.
Denis will be remembered for his love and kindness for his family, friends and those closest to him and his Big Laugh.
In addition to his mother Lucille, Denis is survived by his brothers and sisters Diane L. Koback and her husband Tom of Woonsocket, Paul R. Laferriere of Slatersville, Susan T. Laferriere of Cumberland, Richard L. Laferriere and his wife Lisa of North Smithfield and David R. Laferriere and his wife Nicole of Treasure Island, Florida and Charlestown, RI. Denis was the uncle of Brian Cote, Derek, Jacob and Kristy Laferriere, Benjamin, David and Katherine Wandrey, Alexander, Matthew, Cassandra (Chirco), and Jackson Laferriere and great-nephew Elliot Cote.
Denis was the loving companion of Leslie Nelligan of Woonsocket and her children Shawna Nelligan and the late Ryan Nelligan. Denis loved Leslie’s grandchildren Noah and Melody Gonzalez and Jackson and Lillian Nelligan as if they were his own grandchildren.
Denis is also survived by his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Everyone is welcome to gather to honor and remember Denis at visiting hours at Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home on Friday October 9th from 4:00-7:00 pm followed by a prayer service. Denis will be laid to rest in the family lot at Resurrection Cemetery in Cumberland with a private service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of his own courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, the family suggests memorial donations in memory of Denis may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network of Rhode Island.
www.menardfuneralhome.com