Joseph T. (Skippy) Laframboise died October 4, 2013 after a long, happy and full life. Joe was born May 6, 1932 to Albert J. and Marian R. Laframboise. After attending Catholic schools in Springfield, MA, he went to work at the Springfield Armory with his father. He encountered problems with his supervisor and made the decision to attend college. It was years later that Joe learned his supervisor had been requested by his father to harass him – so that he would quit and further his education.
Joe had several advanced degrees in education, counseling and journalism. He attended Holyoke Jr. College, Boston University, Westfield State Teachers College and Springfield College in Massachusetts. He also attended Harvard University on a Grant.
He frequently boasted that his crowning achievement came when he met and married Gertrude (Trudy) and together they raised six children who made him very happy and proud. He is survived by his wife, Trudy and their children, Cheryline Laframboise, Susan Laframboise, Debbie Rodriguez, Lisa Shuler and her husband Jim, Mark Laframboise and his wife Matilde, and Dena Erbe and her husband Harry (deceased), 11 grandchildren (by age: Melissa Juttelstad and husband Aaron, Michelle Laframboise, Lindsey Serrati, Stephanie Rodriguez, Danielle Rodriguez, Nicolle Laframboise, Nicholas Rodriguez, Cassie Musel, Jacob Shuler, Elian Gonzalez, Amy Laframboise) and 1 great grandchild (Brayden Rodriguez), all of whom he cherished and who equally cherished him.
He is also survived by his brothers, Al Laframboise of Jonesborough, TN, George Laframboise and his wife Catherine of Boulder, CO and his sister Peg Wendlandt and her husband Gary of New York City as well as 4 nephews (Kip Foley, Tim Foley, Bob Foley, Jr., Brian Laframboise) and a niece (Laura Jennison).
While stationed in Germany as a photographer for the U. S. Army’s Counter Intelligence Program, he met his wife Trudy while exploring Salzburg, Austria during an off-duty furlough. They married and after his service to the Army, the family moved to Massachusetts, where he worked as a school guidance counselor. Eventually the family settled in Puerto Rico for the next 18 years, where Joe worked as Director of Guidance at Antilles High School, Fort Buchanan (his self-proclaimed second best decision). He touched the lives of many students. In 1985, he moved to Orlando, Florida and had an equal impact as a school counselor in the Central Florida area.
Over the years, Joe worked as a sports reporter for the Holyoke Transcript, Holyoke, MA, the Boston Globe, the San Juan Star and the Orlando Sentinel. He was an avid golfer and even had a trophy testifying that he beat Chi Chi Rodriguez in a memorable round of golf. He was also President of the Puerto Rico Golf Association and later Tournament Director for the PRGA. Joe coached most of his own children in basketball, softball and/or golf during their years in high school.
Joe was a man of quick wit, with a tremendous sense of humor. He loved Broadway musicals, reading, sports (especially baseball) and his wife’s excellent cooking (he’d say she cooked with a secret ingredient – love!) A private service will be held at a later date. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and former students. He is now resting in peace and most definitely, still rooting for the Red Sox.