Jean Claude Lafontaine

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Louiselle Vallieres Lafontaine, also from St. Leon. He was the youngest of 8 children and predeceased by all his siblings: Germaine, Leandre, Emilien, Guy, Laurette, Raymond, and Martha. Loving father to his children Ann (Eric) Cormier, Simon (Heather) Lafontaine, and Julie (Matt) Colby. He adored his eight grandchildren Austin, Adam, Tristan, Reese, Nolan, Sara, Sean, and Jack.

Jean loved to tell stories of growing up on the farm and working at the lumber camp after leaving home at age 16. He came to the United States at age 23 for the opportunity of a better life. He was a proud veteran, serving as a cook in the US Army during the Korean War. Jean worked as a Slitter Operator at Bristol Brass for 25 years before continuing his career at The Miller Company, where he retired in 1993. Jean was a competitive card player (especially Setback and Cribbage) with his family and friends. His partners would cringe when he would make a 4 bid in Setback and lead with an 8, somehow always managing to pull it off. He also loved trying to beat Louiselle playing ‘Cochon’. He enjoyed cooking Sunday brunch for his family, gardening, and reading Motor Trend and Car and Driver magazines. Jean loved having a good time and making people laugh. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and really enjoyed watching hockey.

He owned many vehicles during his lifetime and would love to tell everyone about the deals he made to acquire them. His favorite was his 1951 Chevy Bel Air. However, many a trip was made back to Quebec to visit the family each Christmas and summer vacation in the 1971 Buick Estate Wagon, and he also loved his 2014 Chevy Impala, otherwise known as the “Blue Bomber”. He was a familiar face at his grandchildren’s sporting events and awards ceremonies – he was so proud of his family.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses from Mulberry Gardens, Hartford HealthCare at Home, and his dedicated aides for the compassionate care and support he received. His family will receive relatives and friends at the Della Vecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington on Saturday, Sept. 14th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Mary Our Queen Church 248 Savage St. Southington at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery in Southington.