Paul 'Frenchy' W. LaChance Obituary (1948 - 2014)

WESTFORD Paul W. Frenchy LaChance, Sr., age 66, a resident of Westford for 36 years, died Sunday, October 5, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Joan M. (Callahan) LaChance, to whom he would have celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary on October 11th. He was born in St. Albans, New York on August 20, 1948, and was a son of the late Charles and Ruth Weimer. An honorably discharged and highly decorated veteran, he served as a crew chief and line chief for the gunship platoon of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served with distinction and was awarded two Bronze Stars with Valor and a Purple Heart. Prior to his retirement, Paul worked for many years as a truck driver for several local and national companies. He was also owner and chef of the former PJs Kitchen in Chelmsford and LaChance Catering. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 25, the 240th AHC Flight Line, a member and past commander of the Westford Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Walker-Rogers Post 662 in Lowell, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Paul loved spending time on his boat The Other Woman, and enjoyed jazz drumming and going on cruises with his wife. His greatest joy in life was spending time in the company of his family, especially his adoring grandchildren, Marissa, Madison, and Frankie. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children, Paul W. PJ LaChance, Jr. and his wife Amanda (Demers) of Dracut, Michele Melendez and her husband Frank of Lowell, and Michael LaChance and his fiance Erin Theriault of Westford; three grandchildren, twins Marissa and Madison Melendez and Frankie Melendez; and many, many friends, including his best friend, David Lally of Tyngsboro. Pauls family would like to thank Dr. Ardman and all the nurses at Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center and Circle Home Hospice, especially Susan, Pauline, Trisha, and Laura. Visitation will be held at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD on Thursday from 4 until 8 pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11 oclock at St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford, MA. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery in Westford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Pauls name to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Rd, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256; Joslin Clinic Pediatric Services, One Joslin Pl, Boston, MA 02215, or the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854 Visitation October 9, 2014 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information October 10, 2014 11:00am, St. John the Evangelist Parish 115 Middlesex Street North Chelm, MA 01863 Interment Location Pine Grove Cemetery Westford Forge Village Road Westford, MA