Obituary of Philip Laferriere

Philip Mark Laferriere, passed away suddenly Wednesday, May 13. He leaves his loving wife of 34 years, Sue (Impemba) Laferriere. Phil was born in Holyoke, the son of the late George and Mildred Laferriere. He grew up and was educated in South Hadley. He was a graduate of Northeastern University. Phil spent his career as a computer engineer and manager. Over his career, he worked at Prime Computer, IPL, EMC, Quantum, and was currently with Unisys Technology. Phil embraced life and loved being active and outdoors. Phil was always on the go. He enjoyed a wide variety of activities which he shared with family and friends. He played basketball with his neighbors, biked and cross country skied with his wife. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and reader. He coached his children in soccer and basketball. When his children were in high school and college, he was always in the stands cheering and encouraging them no matter what the game’s outcome; he was their biggest fan. Phil had a strong bond with his children. He always supported them in their sports, education, careers, and life choices. He and his daughter, Samantha, even tried out for the “Amazing Race” television show. He loved family vacations especially those spent on Cape Cod. Phil had just recently returned home from a week long cruise with his wife/best friend, in the Caribbean. He was always there for those he loved. Phil was a man of integrity, faith, compassion, and was always the voice of reason. It is difficult for all his family and friends to accept this loss so quickly, as it took the life of such a vibrant and healthy individual. In addition to to his loving wife and soulmate, Sue, he was the proud father of Adam & his wife Jessica of Chelmsford, Samantha Mazeika & her husband John of Lancaster, and Bryan of Worcester. He was the proud “Pepe” of Landon Leferriere. He was the brother of Janet Carlson & her husband Bill of FL, Diana Hoskey & her husband George of Holyoke, and Dennis Leferriere of CT. He was the son-in-law of Sylvia and Joseph Impemba of Burlington. Phil was also survived by many other relatives and friends. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Phil’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org. Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.