Hector W. LaPlante, 96, of Auburn passed away Thursday March 1, 2018.

Hector was one of the last Pearl Harbor survivors. He served in the United States Navy as a master mechanic during and after WWII. He retired after 20 years of service. Following his service to our country he was employed as a marine mechanic for many years.

Hector never missed a beat. He was a handyman and had the patience of a saint. He enjoyed fishing and loved music, especially Dixieland jazz. He played the piano, clarinet, accordion and harmonica. Hector passed his love of music to his children and grandchildren.

Hector was born in North Dartmouth, son of the late Arthur and Evelyn LaPlante. He leaves his beloved wife of 72 years, Nathalie E. LaPlante. Hector fathered eleven children. He is survived by Linda Senior and her husband John of Putnam, CT, David of Webster, Jeffrey and his wife Donna of Auburn, Roger and his wife Pearl of Hawaii, Paul of Webster, Michael of North Grafton, Steven of Auburn, AnnMarie Chiuchiolo of Webster and Arthur LaPlante, PhD of Auburn. Hector also leaves behind six grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Theresa of Charlton. He was predeceased by his sons, Jerry and Mark and brothers, Norman and Hector’s twin Arthur.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mr. LaPlante’s family on Monday March 5, 2018 from 9:30-10:30 in the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am at Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North. Burial will be at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Worcester County Food Bank (www.foodbank.org).