Ralph E. Lavoie

Hampton, NH

Ralph E. Lavoie, 88, of Hampton, NH and formerly of Rindge, NH and Fitchburg, MA, died Saturday May 9, 2009, in Hampton after a period of failing health. He was born in Fitchburg, MA, on April 20, 1921, son of the late Joseph and Stella (Loyzell) Lavoie. He lived in Fitchburg for 50 years and had attended St. Bernards Grade and High School, graduating in 1939.

He entered the military in September, 1942 from Fitchburg. He was a member of the U.S. Armys 8th Air Force as a Ball Turret Gunner on B-17s. He was shot down over Germany on June 25, 1943 and spent 15 months as a Prisoner of War at Stalag 7-S and Stalag 17. He was seriously wounded in an escape attempt in December 1943, and was repatriated back to the United States in September 1944 in an exchange of wounded prisoners. Mr. Lavoie was the first Fitchburg native to return from a German prison camp. He was hospitalized for two years and received a medical discharge in 1946. Mr. Lavoie was awarded the Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal and the European Theater Medal.

He retired in 1968 after having worked for the First National Stores for many years and moved to New Hampshire in 1972. Mr. Lavoie was a member of St. Patricks Church in Jaffrey, NH. He was very active in veterans affairs, acting as Quartermaster of VFW Post 5613 of Jaffrey. He was also active with the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, as a tour guide, serving on the Board of Trustees and as Trustee Emeritus in the Cathedral organization. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, American Ex-Prisoners of War and the Order of the Purple Heart. He also belonged to the American Legion and was a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society.

His wife of 57 years, Mary Kendall, died in February of 2002. He is survived by four sons, Charles of Wilbraham, MA, Thomas of Richmond, NH, Richard of Boston, and James of Lunenburg, MA, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Edith Amburgey of Fitchburg and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

He was grateful for the excellent care he received at the Haven Health Center in Hampton, NH and the many friends he had there.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge, NH 03461 or to the charity of ones choice.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at the familys convenience.

Family and friends are warmly invited to calling hours which will be held on Tuesday morning, May 12, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home Cremation Center, 33 River Street (Route 202) Jaffrey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following Calling Hours at 11:00 AM at Saint Patrick Church, 89 Main Street in Jaffrey. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps will be the celebrant.