Obituary of Paul R. LaPierre

CHAZY - Paul Roland LaPierre, 87, loving husband, father, and grandfather, of Stetson Road, Chazy, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at UVM-CVPH Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 24, 1936 in Mooers, NY, the son of Herbert and Loretta (Plante) LaPierre. Paul was a self-made man, actively involved in his community, and a very proud dairy farmer. His love of animals began at a young age, and continued as he spent time at his best friend, Bob Hawksby’s family dairy farm in Mooers. It was here that Paul’s interest in dairy cattle began. As he grew, he began to purchase Holstein dairy calves, with the dream of owning his own farm. In 1958, Paul met the love of his life, Ann Bocare, at the Saxony in Rouses Point, where his request for a dance, led to their marriage on August 29, 1959. Paul and Ann moved to Chazy, where they purchased Ann’s family farm. Over the years the farm has expanded, with Paul designing and building the original hip roof barn, eventually forming Rusty Creek Farm in partnership with his son Tony. Paul and Ann raised three children and enjoyed a wonderful life together. Paul believed that education and hard work would lead to opportunities for his children. He promoted education and took great pride in all his children’s accomplishments. He enjoyed working side by side with his two sons, Tony and Thomas, on the farm, and benefitted from his daughter Lisa’s medical advice in his later years. Although a farmer never retires, Paul and Ann enjoyed many years spending winters in Florida where they enjoyed the company of friends. Each spring, Paul would spend hours in his garden, growing delicious fresh produce his family was lucky to enjoy. Paul was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3525, Champlain, NY, a member of the CCRS Board of Education and Clinton County Farm Bureau. He sat on the board of directors of Eastern Cooperative AI and was a Champlain Fire Commissioner. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ann; his daughter Lisa McDonald and husband Chris of Ellenburg, NY, his son Paul A. (Tony) and wife Mary, his son Thomas and wife Linda, all of Chazy, NY; and his seven grandchildren, Nathalie Miller, David Miller, Andrew (Heather) LaPierre, Emily (Jake) Williams, Alec LaPierre, Conner LaPierre, and Carly LaPierre. Paul was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Arnold LaPierre, his sister Gloria Lopez, and an infant granddaughter, Brigette Miller. Calling hours will not be held. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday February 22, 2024 at 11am at Sacred Heart Church in Chazy, NY. A reception will follow at the K of C Hall in Champlain, NY. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the CCRS Education Foundation, P.O. Box 256 Chazy, NY 12921 or Clinton County Farm Bureau c/o Todd Giroux 38 Shields Ave. Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Arrangements have been entrusted to M. B. Clark Funeral Home, 196 Elm Street, Champlain, NY.