William "Bill" Lachappelle

Born July 12, 1961 in Westerly, Rhode Island, Bill was a lifelong educator and coach. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University with his Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology.

He is predeceased by his parents, Grace Preece LaChappelle of Indialantic, Florida and William G. LaChappelle Jr. Grandparents, Leo and Jean Preece of Indialantic, Florida. Sister Melody LaChappelle, Maryland. Survivors include his wife Alicia Carol Jensen LaChappelle of Palm Bay, Florida, daughter Catherine Bumsted of Melbourne, Florida, mother-in-law Della Fay Pittman Jensen of Cocoa, Florida. Sister-in -Law Elizabeth Jensen of Palm Bay, Florida. Sisters, Melissa LaChappelle of Calimesa, California, Michele Hernandez (Daniel) of Yucaipa, California, Rebecca Mandes of Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Nieces Shelly Tinsley, of Max Meadows, Virginia, Kate McGehee (Travis) of Deltona, Florida, Megan Cooper of Calimesa, Daniel Hernandez of Yucaipa, California, Mathew Hernandez of Redlands, California, Amanda Gaccione, Bridget Gaccione and Sierra Feledie Groton of Connecticut, and many aunts, Uncles, cousins, great-nephews, great-nieces, and family members.

He loved animals, including his Shetland Sheepdog, Lily, who was his comfort and joy. She filled his heart daily. His cats Emmit, Nemo, Ozzie, Cayenne, and Smudge, brought him laughter and snuggles. His two ferals Goldie and Junior, were among the many animals Bill rescued throughout his life. His philosophy was that of the story of saving starfish. “I can't save them all, but it matters to the ones I save”.

Bill was married to Alicia for 17 years. He called her his Viking Warrior Princess. A cancer survivor, Alicia taught Bill the meaning of courage and the will to fight. Bill and Alicia were engaged in Paris on top of the Arc du Triomphe. They honeymooned in New York City during Christmas. They lived, loved, and laughed in Palm Bay. Through the laughter and the tears, they loved one another forever and a day.

He retired as a teacher with Hoover Middle School in Indialantic, Florida. Formerly he taught Behavioral Science at Brevard Community College for 15 years. He was a baseball and softball coach and spent many hours working with the youth of Brevard, the country, and the world. His crowning achievement was winning a silver medal as Head Coach for the British Women's Olympic Softball team in Vienna. He helped them to achieve a world-class level that they still perform at today.

Bill’s latest passion was Beep Ball. It is a modified version Softball for the Visually Impaired. Players utilize their hearing senses to play the game with custom designed “beeping balls and bases.” He dedicated his heart and time to the team to create an amazing outlet for the visually impaired community here in Brevard. Thank you to all who have and will continue to support Space Coast Beep Ball a/k/a Roadrunners!.

His work with animals and wildlife started at a young age, but he most enjoyed working at the Brevard Nature and Wildlife Center in what is now Viera. His work as an educator and wildlife rescuer gave him a direction that he followed all throughout his life.

To know Bill was to know him to be complex. Loyal to a fault. If he was your friend, he was your friend for life. Quirky. Quick to anger. Quick to forgive. He loved college football, especially his Seminoles. He loved auto racing. His hours on a ball field translated to a passion for baseball and softball. Bill loved history and all areas of facts. He longed to be on Jeopardy. It was his greatest wish. He could hold a conversation with a tree. He knew a little about a lot. Bill was loved by many and hated by a few. He was many things to many people.

He always felt he had to prove himself. A high school dropout, Bill earned a Master’s Degree and was a lifelong educator. He always wanted to be a better person. To be a success. His favorite quote was by Emerson:

"What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!"

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, former students.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Florida Memorial Gardens, Life Event Center, 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, Florida, 32955. Visitation at 1:30 with services starting at 2:30.

Donations may be made to the Florida Wildlife Sanctuary in Melbourne, Florida or to any animal rescue of your choice.