Charles Andrew “Charlie” Lachapelle, 88, passed away at home in Smithfield on Sunday, October 21, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of Smithfield, Charlie was born in Georgiaville, RI to Albert and Flora (LaCroix) Lachapelle. He was the brother of the late Flora, Robert, Joan, and Sharon.
Charlie was a Boy Scout of Georgiaville Troop 1 and a volunteer fireman at the Georgiaville station until his enlistment in the United States Navy in 1950. He served in the Korean War on the USS Mahopac, a fleet tug boat, and the USS Bole, a Gearing-class destroyer. He was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon and the UN Service Ribbon. After returning home, he enrolled at New England Institute of Technology and founded Independent Oil Burner Service. He serviced all of the local oil companies before starting his own, Lachapelle Oil Heating and Air Co., in 1986.
Charlie enjoyed his weekly bowling league and long drives with his wife which turned into lengthy trips across the region. He flew his single-engine Cessna around the state and was also an avid parishioner of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Georgiaville.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise (Ciccone), his sons John and James of North Smithfield and Wayne of Smithfield, his daughters Ann Simbron and Michelle Jackvony of Smithfield, and was also father to the late Edward. He was the loving grandfather to twelve grandchildren: Amber, Thomas, Molly, Kryssa, Lindsay, Jenna, Charles, Mia, Alex, Haley, Vanessa, and Johnathan, and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Mariana.
Private services were held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.