Francis R Lafond

Francis R. Lafond, age 76, passed away at UMass Memorial Medical Center - Worcester on August 22nd 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on January 26th 1949 in Holyoke; the son of Joseph R. Lafond and Pearl A. (Hull) Lafond.

Fran attended public school in Holyoke. He graduated from Holyoke Catholic High School and went on to attend Holyoke Community College where he obtained a degree in law enforcement. Fran was an avid swimmer and high board diver. He later became a lifeguard at Cape Cod. When Fran was younger, some of his fondest memories were of playing sports with his friends who he continued to keep in touch with all these years.

Fran was employed as a Police Officer in the City of Holyoke for 33 years where he received the Medal of Honor.

Fran’s true calling was coaching and mentoring his athletes. He coached for many different schools and towns throughout the valley at the Junior Varsity and Varsity level for over 25 years. Easthampton, Holyoke Catholic High School, Smith Academy, Hopkins Academy, Pope Francis Preparatory School, Gateway Regional School District, to name a few. He coached soccer, fastpitch softball, basketball, and cross country track. Fran absolutely loved coaching and it showed as he won, “Coach of the Year,” many times. He brought his teams to regional and state championships. He frequently had his wife, Yola, make elaborate meals for his teams and they would all watch movies and bond closer as a team. One of his mantras was, “What you do in practice, you do in a game.” He firmly believed in this and taught all his athletes this belief as well. Fran was coaching right up to the end of his life.

When Fran wasn’t coaching, he could be found hiking and looking for Big Foot throughout New England. It was not unusual to hear, “Who-Cooks-For-You,” bellowed into the night seeking Big Foot’s answering call (it never came). Not only was he an active hiker, he also enjoyed kayaking and adventuring with his family. He was also an avid UFO seeker and was interested in the stars and constellations. One of his other infamous past times was making comments on social media with attempts to insight a passionate response from his friends and cousins.

Fran is survived by his wife of 41 years Jolanta, “Yola,” (Zoledziewski) Lafond, daughter Lynsea Lafond, sons Ian Lafond and Joshua Lafond, daughters in-laws Diane Lafond and Lisa Lafond, grandson Gabe Lafond, brother Dave Lafond, sister Sue Padilla.

He was predeceased by both parents, many cousins, and brother Tom Lafond. The family will hold a Celebration of life at a future date TBD.

Memorial donations in Fran’s name may be made to Good Sports, an organization that provides youth organizations with “the gear they need” in order to help off-set the costs of the sport. Donations can be made at support.goodsports.org.

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