CHICOPEE – Donald Plante, 92, of Chicopee, died at home on Saturday, July 9, 2022. Born in Holyoke to Rachel (Denoncourt) and Samuel Plante, Don moved with his family to Chicopee at the age of 10, and as a young man met and married Shirley Boisvert. Their marriage of 67 years was exceptional in its constancy of love and respect, and together they created a family that was the very center of their world.
For their children they provided an idyllic childhood, filled with family camping trips, Sunday drives, scouting, tobogganing and ice skating in winter, bicycling, swimming in the backyard pool; on particularly hot days, we were thrilled to see Dad put on his plaid swimming trunks and join us in the pool!
In addition to his family, Don’s other passion was fishing. He could often be found aboard his mint green Starcraft boat with one of his fishing buddies at the Quabbin Reservoir, or more recently at one of his favorite fishing spots, Little Alum Pond in Brimfield. Don was also an adept woodworker. After his retirement from State Line Potato Chip Company at the age of 62, he took evening classes to improve his woodworking skills and began building furniture. His finishing techniques were unparalleled!
Don was also an avid model railroad enthusiast. He built his own model railroad in the basement, and was a longtime member of the Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society. He also volunteered for many years in the train room at the Holyoke Soldier’s Home with like-minded railroad buffs. Don and Shirley both volunteered at the Chicopee Senior Center for more than 25 years. Don was a Veteran of the US Army, serving in Korea.
Don was predeceased by his wife Shirley, his son David, his sister Cecile Vermette, and his son-in-law Tom Pavao. He leaves behind his daughters Sue Laizer (Mike) and Denise Pavao, his son Ronnie (Gina) and his two granddaughters Andrea Laizer (Alex) and Nicki Haluch (Eric). He also leaves behind his brother Raymond (Elaine), his brother-in-law Lionel, and his nephew Mark Plante (Anne) and nieces Debbie Haapanen (Brian) and Rachel Doolittle (Steve).
His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 12 Noon at Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 594 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (Please meet directly at the church). His Burial with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. There are no visiting hours. His Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the caregivers at O’Connell Care at Home, along with the private caregivers who provided such wonderful care to Don over the past few months.
Please consider making a donation in Don’s name to the Chicopee Senior Center and mailed to the Chicopee Council on Aging, 5 West Main Street, Chicopee, MA 01020-1864, (Checks made payable to City of Chicopee, Council on Aging).
For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com