Rodney "Rod" R. Lafond Sr.

Rodney (Rod) Richard Lafond, Sr. of Merrimack, NH passed away unexpectedly in Muscat, Oman on Friday, March 24, 2023, while enjoying a world cruise with his beloved wife Claire. His wife was by his side.  He was born on February 7, 1954, in Memphis, TN, the son of the late Joyce A. (Leach) Bradley and the late A. Robert Lafond. 

Mr. Lafond was a veteran, having served in the US Air Force for 10 years.  He was a graduate of Pinkerton Academy and he graduated from Fitchburg State College with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  After his service in the Air Force, Mr. Lafond worked in the defense industry for more than 40 years.  In addition to the many patents that he held, Rod was also a member of the team that redesigned the Air Force One Fleet.  This work, along with his service in the US Air Force allowed him the opportunity to live with his family in various places throughout the United States.  

Rod had many interests, some of which included fishing, golfing, and reading.  He enjoyed woodworking, making several pieces of furniture that family members cherish.  When he retired, he decided to learn the art of stained glass.  He taught himself this art form and was prolific in the number of stained-glass pieces he made for people to enjoy.  He loved traveling and explored many places throughout the United States and the World.  Rod truly lived his life.

Family members include his wife of 51 years, Claire (Martel) Lafond, his daughter, Michelle Lafond DeStefano and her husband Leonard of Londonderry, NH, his grandson Andrew Stock and his partner, Jillian Pelletier, his grandson Rodney R. Lafond, III, his granddaughter Hayley Lafond and his honorary granddaughter Amanda Pelletier.  He is also survived by his brother R. David Lafond and his wife, Paulette of Manchester, NH, A. Stephen Lafond and his wife Patricia of Deerfield, NH, Michael Scott Lafond and his wife Brenda of Northfield, NH, Anthony Lafond and his wife Kim of Epping, NH.  He is also survived by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his son, Rodney Richard Lafond, Jr. in 2011. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Rodney R. Lafond, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Michelle DeStefano 14 Holly Lane, Londonderry, NH 03053 or to the Burn Unit at Shriners Hospital for Children Attention Donor Development 51 Blossom St. Boston, MA 02114 or online via the website of https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/. Please include Rodney R. Lafond, Sr. in the memo line of your donations.

A memorial gathering will take place at Phaneuf Funeral Home and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue on Thursday, April 6^th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a memorial service to follow in the funeral home at 7:00 PM.