Robert H. Laplante of Salisbury passed away peacefully at the Aspen Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Haverhill on Aug. 19, one week past his 90th birthday. Rob was a longtime friend of Maudslay Arts Center (MAC).
“Rob and his wife Mary were a team,” said MAC Executive Director Nicholas C. Costello, “and as a team they were invaluable to the Arts Center over the past 10 years. They saw us through major transitions, establishing a strong volunteer base, and tending our gardens and beautiful flower boxes. Rob was there for all of it.
“He and my father (the late Nicholas J. Costello) spent the last years of their lives becoming good friends and we will miss them both.”
Born Aug. 12, 1936, in North Attleboro where he resided until 2013 and moved to Salisbury, he was the son of the late Henry T. and Anne Ida (Labrie) Laplante. He was also predeceased by his two sisters, Eleana C. Moore and Lorraine T. Laplante.
In addition to his wife of 62 years, Mary “Fran” Schmitt he is survived by his daughter Lorraine Huegel and husband David Huegel of Dry Ridge, KY, his son Derek Laplante and wife Sara Willman-Laplante of Newburyport, his two grandsons, Hayden and Griffin Laplante of Newburyport. his brothers-in-law Louis Schmitt of West Warwick R.I. and John Schmitt of Attleboro, and many nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of North Attleboro High School Class of 1956. Robert spent his working years doing what he loved best, driving the open road in a big rig. When he retired in 1998, he continued to enjoy his woodworking hobby, golfing, riding his bike, canoeing, and traveling with Fran across the US, the Caribbean, Canada and Australia.
He loved the Red Sox, the Patriots and NASCAR. When traveling he never missed an opportunity to see a ballgame at an MLB park including spring training games in Florida every March.
His family is immensely grateful for the support of the staff at the Aspen Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center over the past four weeks. Their kind and compassionate care made his last weeks warm and comfortable.
Per his wishes, there will be no service. Donations may be made to two organizations where he was happiest volunteering: the Maudslay Arts Center, C/O 182 Whitehall Road, Amesbury, MA 01913 or the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry, 20 High Road, Newbury MA 01951.
Arrangements were made by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.