Eugene Plante

WOODBURY – Eugene “Papa” Plante, 82, formerly of Barre, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.

Born on April 13, 1937 in Barre, he was the son of Alfred and Bernadette (Frappier) Plante.

Eugene graduated from Spaulding High School in the class of 1955 and joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating high school.

Upon his return from the Army, he met the love of his life, JoAnne Knutson and they were married on April 23, 1960.

Eugene worked hard for his family and spent many years of employment with Ormsby’s Appliance Store where he received multiple accolades for his work. Prior to retirement he opened and operated Rock Appliance.

Between a growing network of family and friends, Eugene’s life was full of laughter, love and rich with relationships and beautiful memories. Anyone who knew Eugene, knew that he loved life and he loved to seize every moment and make it something to be remembered. He quickly became the life of any party or gathering and was always the one to not only make you laugh, but also make you cry with his words of sincere love and encouragement. He had the ability to exemplify just how special family is and how special each and every relationship he ever had was to him. He was a devoted father of five, grandfather to five and great-grandfather to one.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnne (Knutson) Plante of Woodbury; his daughters Gina Badeau of Barre; Dianne Daniels and her husband, Colin of St. Albans; and Lianne Plante and her partner, Rex St. John of Fairfax; his son Joey Plante and his partner, Joane Chaloux of Essex Jct; his grandchildren Lindsey Ducey of Barre; Angela Macri of New York; Hilary Daniels of Colchester; Christopher (CJ) Plante of Barre; Brittany Plante of North Carolina; and Brandon Badeau of Essex; and his great-grandchild Mavrick Ducey; his sisters Hilmaine Stanton of Hanson, MA; Suzanne Sweeny of Winchester, MA; and Bette Anne (2P) Morrill of Barre as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Christopher (Chris) Plante; his son-in-law Gerard Badeau and his brother Simon Plante.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446. The Plante family wishes to thank them for their hospitality, assistance and support during Eugene’s stay there.