Joseph E. LaPlante, Sr.

Joseph E. LaPlante, son of the late Edwad LaPlante, Sr. and Blanche (Gagne) LaPlante was born on December 18, 1923 in North Oxford, Massachusetts, he passed away in the comfort of his beloved home, at the age of 100 on Saturday, August 10, 2024, surrounded by loving family. 

Joe attended high school in Webster. During that time, he began his first employment with E. J. Kilbert to financially help his family. He also worked for his father and brothers as the rented “Mobile Gas”, also located in Webster.

Joe served in the United States Army, during World War II, and landed on Utah Beach with the 57th Chemical Maintenance Company. He was seriously wounded as he walked through a field of land mines on Christmas Eve and was presented with a Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Medal. The Country of France presented Joe with the Legion of Honor Medal in November 2017 at a ceremony held in Webster. This medal is the highest honor bestowed by France to U.S. veterans.

Upon his return to the United States, Joe was self-employed in heavy construction. He was part owner of LaPlante Bros. until he was forced to retire due to medical issues.

After convalescing, Joe accepted employment with Metcalf Eddy consulting engineers, a large engineering firm located in Boston. He worked there from 1968 until 1990.

Joe and his wife. Lucille (Blouin) LaPlante were parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Webster, and were fully active in parish fundraisers, auctions, and the famous “pitch league” for men.

Joe was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 54, American Legion Chapter 164, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Webster, and a was a member of the Military Order of Purple Heart. Joe and his wife were instrumental in the construction of the Webster Veterans Court of Honor and assisted in the renovation of the Veterans Home in Webster. Joe was a huge supporter of the Webster/Dudley Veterans Council, and held his Annual Veterans picnic at the Lake to support Webster/Dudley Veterans American Legion Post 184 and Veterans of Foreign Wars members. He was a charter member of Toastmaster’s in Webster and was elected Sewer Commissioner in Webster for five to six years. 

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Lucille (Blouin) LaPlante in 2008. He is survived by four children, CSM Joseph LaPlante, Jr., Ret., of Maine, Annette Runciman of California, Sr. Janet LaPlante of South Dakota; and Patricia Piniarski of Webster; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. His son, Roger LaPlante, pre-deceased him in March 2023. He was also predeceased by his parents and five siblings, Bernadette Falk, Edward, Richard, Ernest, and Arthur LaPlante. 

Calling Hours will be on Friday, August 16, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the family home on Killdeer Island, 20 Island Point Road, Webster. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 17, at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street, Webster. Funeral attendees are asked to go directly to the church on Saturday morning. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Webster.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to US ARMY ROTC SCHOLARSHIP FUND, 45 COLLEGE RD, ZAIS HALL, Durham , NH 03824