Roland "Lefty" Laferriere

Longtime Wilbraham resident, Roland P. �Lefty� Laferriere, 91, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at home, surrounded by his family. Born in Chicopee to the late Auguste and Yvonne (Hamel) Laferriere, he was a proud Army Air Force Veteran of World War II, where he earned the Air Medal with three clusters, the French Croix de Guerre, a Presidential unit citation, and the European Theatre ribbon with two campaign stars. A graduate of Boston University, he worked at Mass Mutual Life Insurance Co. for 35 years, retiring as a Senior Vice President in 1986. A communicant of St. Cecilia�s Church in Wilbraham, he belonged to Wilbraham Country Club and was previously a member of Longmeadow Country Club for many years. He served as Chairman for the United Way, was on the Board of Directors for Stage West and belonged to the Colony Club for many years. An avid Red Sox fan, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren�s sporting events, travelling with his wife Doris and spending summers with his family in Ogunquit, ME. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Doris (Gamache) Laferriere, two daughters; Lee Ann Laferriere-Bates and her husband Richard and Suzanne Gougeon and her husband Michael and 4 cherished grandchildren; Gabrielle and Noelle Bates and Maxwell and Noah Gougeon, all of Wilbraham. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother Richard Laferriere. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29th from 4:00 � 7:00 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude�s Children�s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.