Norman “DeeDee” Lachapelle of Whitinsville, born on November 8, 1924, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, after a brief illness, leaving a monumental legacy of love, family and devotion in his 101 years on this earth. 

Norman leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 79 years, Alfreda Lachapelle, his son Kenneth Lachapelle and his wife Michelle of Uxbridge, his daughters June Poland and her husband Tom of Kennebunk, ME, and Renee Lachapelle of Whitinsville; 8 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Leoza (Contois) Lachapelle, and 18 siblings; Anne Woodward, Jacqueline Blinkhorn, Jeannette Glode, Rita Baines, Loretta Bikes, Alberta Rabitor, Leoza Kuhnel, Florence Kilmuray, Joseph Lachapelle, Charles Lachapelle, Henry (Donat) Lachapelle, Francis Lachapelle, Clarence Lachapelle, Jerard Lachapelle, Richard Lachapelle, Robert Lachapelle, two infants, Norman and Philip. Triplet great-grandsons passed as well, born to Kylie and Jason Grenier, affectionately known as “The Fellas”. 

Norman’s greatest loves were spending time with his large and loving family at birthday parties and holidays, and following his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s athletic careers. He was proud of his daughter Renee’s Hall of Fame basketball career at Worcester State and her Whitinsville Drifters semi-pro softball career. He could often be found in the stands at Northbridge and Uxbridge football games cheering on his son, grandsons and great-grandsons. One of his happiest moments was sitting on the sidelines while his son, Ken, reached his 400th win as head football coach of the Northbridge Rams and turning one hundred years old on that same day. This past Father’s Day at a traditional outdoor breakfast his grandchildren cooked for him and his son, he was heard saying, “This is the best day of my life.” 

Norman worked many jobs in his lifetime, retiring in his 80’s, but his heart was in being a “junker” and loved his weekend hobby of stripping copper wire. Norman was the founder of Norman’s Bar and The Checkmate, currently known as the Valley Pub. On the grounds of the bar in the 1970’s, they hosted Sunday Polish picnics with live music, dancing on a large outdoor dance floor and serving traditional Polish food. 

You could often find Norman in his favorite office chair rolling around his garage smoking a cigar and enjoying music and the good company of whomever stopped by. He especially loved his visits with his best friend, Sully. 

Norman was very thankful for his two granddaughters, Aimee and Tessa who made him and Alfreda dinner every night this past year and for his daughter June, the super “cleaner and organizer” of their home when she frequently visited from Maine. The family would also like to thank the remarkable care given by Denise L’Esperance of Reliant Medical and the kind and caring nurses and doctors at Milford hospital who showed the greatest compassion for Norman and his family in his last days. 

The family invites you to stop by Norman’s Garage, 93 Plummer Ave., Whitinsville on Sunday, July 26th from 1:00-4:00pm to share memories with them. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northbridge Football Alumni in care of Gregg Parker, 174 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588.