Bruce J. LaFreniere 79, of Chicopee died May 31, 2017 at the Holyoke Soldiers Home surrounded by his loving family. Bruce was born in Springfield to Alfred and Barbara (Ross) LaFreniere and lived in Chicopee his entire life. He graduated from Chicopee High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Bruce worked most of his life in the trucking industry from which he retired and then went on to work part-time for the Chicopee Parks and Recreation department at both Szot park and Williams park. This was his favorite job from which he retired in 2016. Bruce spent many years coaching youth athletics in Chicopee. He was an avid fan of the Yankees, the Patriots, Uconn Women’s basketball and Nascar. Bruce leaves his son Robert and wife Annmarie of Hampden; his daughter Linda Brainard and her husband Curt of Canton, CT; his son Gary of Chicopee and his daughter Tracy Dobosz and her husband Greg of Chicopee. He leaves his cherished grandchildren: Alex, Alicia, Rocky, Brian and Randi LaFreniere and Danielle, Kyle and Derek Dobosz as well as four great-grandchildren and his beloved cat Lucky. Bruce is also survived by his former wife Joan LaFreniere and brother Robert and his wife (Cathy) of Chicopee as well as nieces and nephews. The LaFreniere family would to thank all those on the 3rd Floor Comfort Care unit for all their love and support for Bruce and his family. The burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Bruce requested a celebration of life picnic (informal) at Szot Park Pavilion in Chicopee. This will take place Sunday, June 11 from 12-5. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Home in his name.