John D. Lavigne

John D. LaVigne1922-2012LUDLOW - John Daniel LaVigne, 90, formerly of Indian Orchard and Ludlow, died early Sunday evening, August 26, 2012, at Life Care Center of Wilbraham, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ludlow, June 2, 1922, the son of the late Homer LaVigne and Wilhelmina (McPhail) LaBombard. He was a resident of Indian Orchard for over 60 years before moving to Keystone Commons, Ludlow, in 2008. He was a graduate of Greenwich High School, NY and received an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Springfield Technical Community College in 1973. He served with the U. S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1942. John retired as a police sergeant with the Springfield Police Department in 1986, serving for over 30 years as a patrolman, and a member of the Youth Aid Bureau, the Detective Bureau and the Internal Affairs Department. He was also a crossing guard at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School for many years after his retirement and was adored by the children there. John was previously a communicant and church soloist at St. Jude Church (formerly St. Aloysius) for many years before joining the parish of St. Elizabeth in Ludlow after his move to that town in recent years. As a young man, John was a prize-winning sulky racer in Saratoga, NY and he carried his love of horses throughout his life.  He was also a beloved little league baseball coach and mentor to the youth in Indian Orchard for many years. John was an avid golfer, having been a member of the Oxford Country Club and St. Anne's Country Club, where he achieved a hole-in-one.  John was well-known for his love of song and joke-telling, which he shared with all whom he encountered. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Alma (Landry) LaVigne, in 2004. John was also predeceased by his brother David LaVigne and sister Mina Gagne, and his grandsons, Kristofer and Andrew Petersen. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his children, Barbara G. Table and her husband Roland of Monson, Kenneth J. LaVigne and his wife Diane of Springfield, and Kathryn A. Petersen and her husband Carl of Belchertown; his grandchildren, Marissa, Gregory and Michael LaVigne, Joseph Twining and Jennifer Nyman; his great-grandsons, Patrick Twining and Kristofer Kelly; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He shared three happy years with his cherished Yellow Labrador, Abby, and sadly missed her when she left his side in 2008. Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning from the Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St., Indian Orchard at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Elizabeth Parish, 181 Hubbard St., Ludlow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place in St. Aloysius Cemetery, 1273 Berkshire Ave., Indian Orchard. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 - 7pm.  Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA  01104. For additional information go to ratellfuneralhome.com. Ratell Funeral Home(413) 543-3836