Eric William LaPlaca, 52, of Wellesley and Bass River, MA, passed away September 14, 2023 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.
Eric was the husband of Joanna (Bergesen) LaPlaca. He was the son of Betsy (Crouse) LaPlaca and the late Charles (Chip) LaPlaca. He was raised in Franklin, MA in Oakland Park where he and his wife both grew up. Eric graduated from Franklin High in 1989 where he was a standout athlete in football, baseball and basketball. He received many athletic awards, including Globe All Scholastic and Gold Helmet awards in both high school and college. He went on to Bowdoin College where he also played football and holds several school records, later continuing his football career in Europe.
Eric worked in the insurance industry for many years and formed many close friendships with people in the field. Eric had a zest for life and had boundless energy; he loved meeting and talking to people. He especially liked making connections between old and new friends, bringing them together through his friendship. His friends were plentiful and loved him very much. He loved Cape Cod, especially Bass River, The Beachcomber and cruising in his boat, “Let's Go!”. He loved being on the dock with all his neighbors. Most of all he loved his family. He immersed himself in his children's activities and cherished time spent with them. He coached youth sports including flag football and took great pleasure in coaching the Wellesley High girls lacrosse team from the parents’ sideline. He was a very special dad. He was a communicant at St. Paul’s Parish and was chairman of their Father Daughter dance every year, even after his two girls had outgrown the event.
Besides his wife, and mother, he is survived by his adored children Jessica, Claire, and Jordan. He leaves two loving brothers, Matt (Kerri Nelson) of Franklin and Brian (Karen Griffin) of Wrentham, as well as his in laws, Roy and Judy Bergesen of Franklin, and his aunt and godmother, Ellen Siddell of CT. He also leaves his sisters in law Kristine LaRue (Bill) of Northbridge and Julie McCabe (Dan) of Bow, NH, his brother in law David Bergesen of Charlotte, NC, and 10 nieces and nephews who will miss Uncle Eric dearly.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt. 16) Wellesley on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 4-8 pm. His Funeral Mass will be held in St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 10 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited.
Because of Eric’s history playing football, he would be content to know that his tissue has been donated to the UNITE CTE Research Center at Boston University. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent there. Checks can be made out to “Trustees of Boston University”, memo line “BU CTE Center” and sent to Boston University Development, Gift Processing, JPMorgan Chase & Co., PO Box 22605, New York, NY 10087-2605. Donations may also be made online at https://www.bu.edu/cte/financial-support/