Allen J. Lafrennie III, a lifelong resident of Winchendon and dedicated public servant, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after a battle with Parkinsonโs disease complicated by dementia. He was 80 years old.
Born in Winchendon on February 12, 1945, Joe was the son of the late Allen J. Lafrennie Jr. and Irene H. (Deshan) Lafrennie. A proud graduate of Murdock High School, Class of 1963, he served as class president and co-captain of the football team. In recognition of his athletic achievements, he was inducted into the Murdock Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
Joe was married to the late Barbara E. (Nadeau) Lafrennie, with whom he shared more than 50 years of love and partnership. He is survived by his daughter, Erika Lafrennie.
Joe devoted 32 years of his career to General Electric in Fitchburg, where he worked as a Manufacturing Systems Specialist until the plantโs closure in 1998. In May 2000, he was appointed Fire Chief for the Town of Winchendon, a role he held with great pride until his retirement in 2012. A member of the Winchendon Fire Department for 35 years and a Certified Emergency Medical Technician, he was instrumental in advancing the townโs ambulance service to provide Advanced Life Support in 2006.
His dedication extended beyond public service. Joe was a lifetime member of the Fire Chiefsโ Association of Massachusetts, the Winchendon Rod and Gun Club, and the NRA. He also belonged to the Harvard Sportsmenโs Club, and the Gardner Rifle and Pistol Club. A state police-certified instructor in Basic Firearms Safety, Joe was an avid competitive handgun shooter and a champion chess player, hobbies that reflected both his precision and his intellect.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Broadview Assisted Living for the kind, compassionate, and patient care and support they provided during such a difficult time.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
