Melvin Philip LaFramboise

Melvin Philip LaFramboise, A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, Phil graduated St. Francis de Sales Class of 1953, attended University of Detroit before joining the USAF. Phil made a big move for himself and relocated to Homestead AFB, South Florida, where in 1957 he met and happily married R.N. Leita Erline Barnett (deceased 2007), moved to Lantana, and began his 34 year occupation at Pratt Whitney as a skilled Mechanic. He was one of the first employees hired and took great pride in his work, testing jet engines. In his early 50s, Phil attended Nova Southeastern University's evening and weekend classes, earning a bachelor's degree in Management.

Beyond his career, Phil was a man of adventure and family devotion. He and Erline, raised five children - four daughters and one son; Daurice Coleman (SIL Mark), Donna Jones (SIL Ron), Diane Mohr (SIL Larry), Denise Reichert (posthumously, SIL Michael) & Steve LaFramboise (posthumously). While on vacation time, Phil was never one to stay in one place for too long when there was a beautiful countryside to see. He packed his family and their loyal dog, Smoky, into a station wagon or travel van to embark on unforgettable journeys across Continental USA, and also to Canada and Mexico; destinations were the multitude of the National Park campgrounds Coast to Coast. Among the many cherished family memories in the good ol' days, were their many holiday weekend trips to Fort Wilderness Disney World, lots of West Palm Beach Expos ball games and Miami Dolphins games, especially taking pride in being a Dolphins season tickets holder; Great 1970s decision Dad! The whole LaFramboise gang valued their experiences over possessions, because their Dad ensured that his family shared in some of life's greatest adventures.

After retiring in 1992, Phil and Erline embraced the leisure life of South Florida, continued their RV travels, and dedicated their time to helping raise their grandchildren. As "Papa/Poppy," Phil was adored by his grandchildren - Summer Jones, Bridget Coleman, Philip and Stephen Reichert; and Carl Mohr - and later, his great-grandson, Stephen Jones. He and Erline provided boundless love, support, and memories that will be cherished forever.

Phil's legendary status in his family was further cemented in retirement, funding countless camping trips, and taking his loved ones to many MLB teams' spring training games, or even simply kid-sitting, doing his crossword puzzles and Sudoku, with Star Wars & Disney movies on for the grandkids in the background, Phil’s presence was a source of unwavering warmth and happiness.

An accomplished athlete throughout his life, Phil’s passion for sports led him to qualify for and participate in several nationwide Marathons. A few of his favorite runs on the USA Marathon List were in Boston, New York City, Chicago. He was an avid runner, swimmer, golfer, and a Senior Softball League champion - his energy and competitive spirit never fading with age.

Despite our family's immense loss, we are deeply grateful for so many reasons - chief among them is the profound lessons we learned in his final years. Throughout his nine-year journey with Alzheimer's, much like children in a growth spurt, we grew in the very virtues Dad had always instilled in us - gratitude, patience, and above all, joy. He also took much comfort in eating a lot of popcorn, ice cream, sitting outdoors & snuggling 'grand-dogs', 'grand-cats'!

We, the family, are especially grateful to the Morse Life Health System & Hospice Program for their ongoing support. And in significance, Phil’s team of caretakers over the six months - Maria, Steven, Gloria…along with his daughters, sons in law and grandchildren working as a team.

While we mourn his passing, we know he is now in the arms of his Redeemer, and we rejoice in knowing that his struggles have ended.

A Funeral Mass will be held to honor his life at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 29 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lantana, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Morse Life Health System.

Although we already miss him dearly, we grieve with hope, knowing that this is not the end for him...it's the beginning. As Phil would frequently say: "Keep the Faith"!

We love you, Dad/Phil/Papa/Poppy ♥️