Obituary for Frederick Robert Lafayette
Frederick Robert Lafayette, 85, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ludlow, son of the late Willard and Loretta (Goodrow) Lafayette, he was a lifelong resident and 1956 graduate of Ludlow High School where he played football and baseball. Frederick began his postgraduate studies at A.I.C majoring in accounting with a minor in education, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Education from Westfield State College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Springfield College. Frederick proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1968 earning the rank of Sergeant. He was the principal of Mapleshade School in East Longmeadow then Interim Superintendent before retiring in 1999. Frederick was very involved in the communities of Ludlow and East Longmeadow. In Ludlow he served on the Council of Aging, the Board of Directors for the Ludlow Tennis Club, and The Ludlow Emergency Planning Committee. After retiring, Frederick was an active member in the Ludlow Senior Center and served as Chairman of the Council on Aging for the new Ludlow Senior Center of which he was extremely proud. He was also a participant and director for the Massachusetts Senior Games. One of his proudest moments was being inducted into the Ludlow High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Educators Hall of Fame. He coached both youth and high school baseball and football for the towns of Ludlow and East Longmeadow. Frederick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roberta Ann Bachta whom he married in 1959. Frederick was the beloved father of Michelle Slotnick and husband Barry, Marc Lafayette and wife Karen, and Brian Lafayette. A loving grandfather to Samantha Stanton and husband David, Andrew Slotnick, Marcus Lafayette and wife Rebecca, Alexander Lafayette, Nicholas Lafayette and fiancé Maxine Kowalski and Amanda Lafayette and a great grandfather to Kiera Lafayette: a dear brother to Patricia Michalik and late husband Richard, the late Priscilla Dufresne and late husband Thomas, and the late Robert Lafayette; brother-in-law to the late Clara Barlow and late husband John; the late Ruth Coviello and widower Anthony, and the late John Bachta and late wife Louise. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed playing sports and later watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. It was Frederick’s wish that his funeral services be held privately by his family. Ludlow Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Frederick’s memory to Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center.
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Events
Event Information
Services are private.
Cemetery Details
Location
Island Pond Cemetery
499 Center Street
Ludlow, Ma 01056
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