Charles P. LaPlaca, husband of Betsy (Crouse) LaPlaca died June 18, 2018 surrounded by his wife and three sons. Chip was born June 8, 1942 to Charles and Grace (Connolly) LaPlaca. He was a son of Southie and never lost his attachment to his beloved South Boston. He made his home in Franklin, where he raised his family, for forty-five years.
He attended South Boston High School where he played football and was featured in a Boston Globe column by Jack Driscoll on his ability as a player. He went on to Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA where he was a standout football player and was chosen for the Globe All New England team. His achievements there earned him a football scholarship to Boston College. After college, he worked for a time in insurance and then joined the campaign staff of Robert Kennedy’s run for the presidency. In the fall of 1968, he began a 20-year teaching career at Foxboro High School where he also coached the varsity baseball team. After leaving Foxboro he worked for the United States Postal Service for 24 years.
Chip took great pleasure watching and coaching his sons in sports. He was active in The Gridiron Club and was an announcer for the Franklin Panthers football games for many years. He enjoyed golfing, trips to Myrtle Beach, his koi pond, winters in Ft Myers, reunions with his Rezzi All Stars, watching the Patriots with his sons, and gatherings with his friends and family at his beloved pool. Most of all, he enjoyed his family.
He was a member of the Franklin Elks and a charter member of the South Boston Sports Hall of Fame.
Besides his wife of 48 years, he is survived by his sons and daughters in law, Eric and Joanna (Bergesen) of Wellesley, Matthew and Kerri (Nelson) of Franklin, and Brian and Karen (Griffin) of Wrentham and his 8 cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Claire and Jordan of Wellesley, Evelyn and Vivian of Franklin, and Kate, Benjamin, and William of Wrentham. He is also survived by his sister and brother in law, Ellen and David Siddell of Milford, CT. He was predeceased by a brother, Ted, and a sister, Carole Kelly.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Sat. June 23rd, at 9:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. FRANKLIN, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square at 10AM. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Franklin will be held privately.
Calling hours are Friday from 4-8PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Franklin Panthers Gridiron Club, Pisini Field Concession Stand P.O. Box 262 Franklin, MA 02038.
Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com
