William Carl LaFleur

Deacon William Carl LaFleur, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 at the age 85, in the tender care of Hospice at Westerly Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Carl was a 21-year resident of Westerly, RI. He was born in Hartford, CT on October 16, 1936, the son of Alice & William Carlton LaFleur. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Dawn (Finan) LaFleur, daughter Susan LaFleur & husband Alex Zemcov, son Douglas LaFleur, wife Teresa (Carey) LaFleur and their three children: Rowan, Bridey & Maeve; his brother David LaFleur & wife Eugenia living in Sarasota, FL - their children are Carl’s beloved nieces and nephews: Jennifer LaFleur, Sarah LaFleur, Nora Johnson, Eugenia Murray-McGinnis, and Michael Murray. Carl also has devoted nieces and nephews on his wife’s Finan family side: Bill Finan, John Finan, Stacey O’Connor, Sara O’Brien, Kelly Fuller and Brian Finan.

Carl was raised in West Hartford, CT and graduated Loomis School in Windsor, CT in 1954. He was president of Student Council, excelled in football, basketball, track and was awarded the Trinity College Book Prize for high scholastic standing and service to his school. Carl achieved a B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1958, M.S. from Southern CT State College in 1973, and Administrative Certification from Fairfield University in 1979.

Carl enjoyed a career teaching youth with developmental disabilities, as a Special Education Teacher at Torrington High School 1973-79, in administering 2 regional centers in Connecticut and New Hampshire for developmentally delayed youth and adults, and as a Special Education teacher at Jaffrey-Rindge NH Middle School 1991-2000. Post retirement in Rhode Island, Carl found himself drawn into the role of Principal of Sacred Heart School in Groton, CT 2004-2007.

He treasured the gift of life, all opportunities to be of service and endeavored to stay close to the Lord. Carl studied at St. Thomas Seminary and was Ordained to the permanent Diaconate in 1977 by Reverend John F. Whealon D.D., Roman Catholic Archbishop of Hartford. Carl served for 45 years until his passing.

Calling hours will be held at Buckler-Johnston Funeral home, 121 Main Street, Westerly on Sunday, April 10th, 2-5pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 11th at 10am at St. Clare Roman Catholic Church, 62 Crandall Avenue, Westerly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul in honor of Carl’s service and dedication to their organization. Donations to their local chapter can be mailed to: St Vincent DePaul Society, P.O. Box 1014, Westerly, RI 02891

Founded in 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an organization of lay Catholics, following Christ’s call to serve the poor, the suffering, and the deprived. Through home visits, Vincentian members establish personal relationships with our neighbors in need, not only providing material assistance such as rent, utilities, food, or clothing, but also offering friendship, understanding, and prayer. To learn more about the national mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, please visit:  http://www.svdpusa.org/