Richard Marc LaPlante, 70, of Pascoag, passed away on Wednesday, February 22nd at Elmhurst Rehabilitation and Health Center in Providence after a lengthy illness. He was born in Providence, RI, a son of the late William J. and Blanche V. (Caplette) LaPlante, and the second youngest of their five children.
Richard's kind and compassionate nature was evident from an early age, when he would bring sick and wounded animals into the house to nurse them back to health, much to the chagrin of his parents. Richard's love for animals never waned, and he remained devoted to them throughout his life.
In addition to his love for animals, Richard had a passion for music and hockey, both of which he enjoyed with equal enthusiasm. In his early adulthood, he and several of his friends followed his older brother Billy out to California, where they lived on Hermosa Beach and rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest rock stars of the day. He eventually returned home to assist in running his father's milk business, Needham's Dairy.
Richard's career was as varied as his interests. He worked for several years delivering ginger ale for Canada Dry until an injury forced his retirement. Seeking a new career path, he graduated in 1982 from the Rhode Island School of Electronics with a degree in electronics repair and servicing, and worked for many years at various shops throughout the state. He took great pride in his ability to diagnose and repair anything electrical. Richard's most cherished memories, however, were of his time working as a roadie with John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, spending long nights in Narragansett with his close friends in the group.
Later in life, Richard lived on a farm in Burrillville, where he devoted himself to caring for a variety of animals, including horses, pigs, goats, and many cats. He felt he had returned to his roots and was able to devote all of his love and care to the four-legged friends who meant so much to him. Several years ago, with the help of his friend the late Dr. Ernest Finocchio, he was able to find new homes for these animals and retired to an apartment in Pascoag with a trio of feline friends remaining to provide him with companionship.
Richard is survived by his four siblings: Lyanne Abbruzzi of Johnston, Denyse Pitrone and her husband Richard, also of Johnston, William LaPlante Jr. and his wife Kate of Austin, CO, and Michele Tramonti of Providence. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, his three cats, a group of devoted friends, a son, Jarred LaPlante and his wife Olivia of Hope, RI, and three grandchildren.
Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the RISPCA (RISPA.com) reflecting Richard's lifelong devotion to animals.
Arrangements entrusted to the J.F. Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations 925 Chalkstone Avenue Providence.
For online condolences kindly visit: SKEFFINGTONFUNERALHOME.COM
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