John R. Lavigne, 93, of Franklin was called home on January 4, 2014 after a brief illness. He was the husband of 66 years to Inez (Gigante ) Lavigne.
Mr. Lavigne was born in Mechanicville, New York, July 11, 1920, the son of the late Theodore and Jennie (Ricci) Lavigne. After graduating from Syracuse University, John spent most of his career working at the Foxboro Company in Foxboro, Mass as a pulp and paper engineer. During the over 35 years there, he authored two text books for the industry and remained a consultant during his early retirement years.
John was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Franklin, a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed volunteering as an usher for masses and participating in St. Rocco’s Festival.
He served as a corporator for the Ben Franklin Savings Bank. He enjoyed working at the Town elections and gave his time to the boards for the Council on Aging and the Franklin Library.
John served his country in the Navy, stationed out of Newport, Rhode Island. It was in Rhode Island that he met Inez, they married and family became the center of his life.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, John R. Lavigne and his wife Susan of Penacook, New Hampshire, Susan L. Newman and her husband Dr. Michael Newman of Boston and Carol l. Giardino and her husband Michael of Franklin.
He was the devoted grandfather to Christopher Lavigne, Alyson Lavigne, Andrea Newman Gilligan, Natalie Newman Lipson, Sean Giardino and Adam Giardino.
He was the brother of the late Mary Luciano, Theresa Domanico, Joseph Lavigne, Vincent Lavigne, Anthony Lavigne and Mike Lavigne.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday January 8 from the Ginley funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginelyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street in Franklin at 9:15 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 10:00.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.
The family would like to thank MRMC for their outstanding care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757 or St. Mary’s Parish, Church Square, Franklin, MA 02038.