John P. Lafond

AGAWAM:  John P. “Jack” LaFond passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018. Jack will be lovingly remembered by his children JP LaFond of Somerville MA, Nora LaFond Padykula and her husband Rick of Suffield CT, and Patrick LaFond and his wife Kathy of Westfield MA, for whom his devotion and love was deep-rooted and unwavering. Jack also leaves his four loving grandchildren, Emily and Ryan LaFond and Robert and Fiona Padykula all of whom gave his life an added lightness and joy. Jack is also survived by his sister Maryanne (Sis) Noone and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friend and companion, Lynn Linsky of Agawam MA, who brightened his life with a zest for living and creating loving memories. A native of Monson, MA, Jack attended the former Monson Academy. He served as a military policeman in New York City while in the Army. In 1965, Jack married the love of his life Nora Noone, forming an eternal partnership that was briefly interrupted by Nora’s passing in 1994. Jack was raised in his father’s restaurant business, LaFond Brothers Steakhouse, and went on to manage and own several successful restaurants. Although, it was Jack’s second career as a drug and alcohol counselor within the Department of Corrections at Carl Robison Correctional Center in CT where he found his true professional calling. For 20 years Jack counseled incarcerated men whose lives had been ravaged by drugs and alcohol. His ability to provide hope, tough love, and understanding taught people how to live a life free of drugs and alcohol and gave countless men access to a second chance at life. As a proud friend of Bill W’s for the past 34 years, his example of strength, resilience, and success provided a blueprint on how to live clean and sober. However, it was Jack’s devotion, loyalty, and fierce love for his children, and grandchildren that exemplified his life. His ever-present commitment and pride in them will live on far beyond his years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet for a Mass of Christian Burial for Jack on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, 63 Pine Street, West Springfield. Burial will follow at Saint Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 20th from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St. Holyoke. Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN.

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