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Robert J. LaFreniere

WILLIAMSBURG - Robert J. LaFreniere, 62, of South Street, Williamsburg, passed away suddenly at home Jan. 23, 2012.

He was born in Northampton June 28, 1949, the son of the late Joseph and Pauline (LaChance) LaFreniere.

Robert was educated in the Easthampton schools and was a graduate of the Easthampton High School.

Robert was a Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force veteran.

He was employed for many years as a technician for the former Mass Electric Co. until he was retired as a result of a work-related accident.

Robert was a singer and guitarist well known throughout the Valley by his stage name "Bob French." Robert would often perform along with his friend Bob Knightly at the former Knightly's Pub in Easthampton, bringing in crowds of listeners from all over.

Robert also played his music at other area clubs, weddings and on his occasional trips to England where he would play in local pubs to audiences that looked forward to hearing his music. Robert's other interests included skiing, fishing, golfing, reading and watching Red Sox games.

He was a Freemason belonging to the Hampshire Lodge A.F. and A.M. in Haydenville.

Robert is survived by his loving sisters Jean Wasilauski of Easthampton; Cindy Kocor of Chicopee; Patricia Harris and Dorothy Lucas, both of Arp, Texas; and Bonita Gonzalez of Beverly Hills, Fla.

Robert was predeceased by his sister Diane Cross in 2010.

Funeral services will be held Thursday 8:30 a.m. from the O'Brien Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at the Our Lady of the Valley Church on Adams Street. A military burial will be in the St. Brigid's Cemetery in Easthampton.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday 5 to 7 p.m.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.