David E. “Digger” LaPlante, 72, was called to rest on October 16th at after a short illness. He was born on June 3, 1944 in Holyoke and was the son of the late Edward J. LaPlante and Bertha (Czupryna) LaPlante. An auto body man by trade, he had been a manager at Superior Subaru in West Springfield until MS forced him into retirement. Dave was an avid classic car enthusiast. He enjoyed going to car shows and cruises as a Red Rock and Westfield Cruiser, where many friends were made along the way. His pride and joy was a 1953 Ford Convertible he named Alvin. When he found Alvin in a barn, the car was loaded with acorns. After Dave rescued and restored Alvin, she became the beautiful cream puff she is today. His reward, one trophy after another. His other love was his four footed best friend named Lilly. Dave and this blue-eyed black lab husky mix, could be seen walking the neighborhood twice a day. Hot or cold, rain or shine, you could set your clock by them. He enjoyed meeting friends at Mrs. Murphy’s every Wednesday. He will be missed. Dave was a very kind man. He was quiet and shy be nature. Always willing to give a helping hand and expecting nothing in return. Even strangers benefitted from his generosity. He is survived by his son Edward, his daughter-in-law Cindy and longtime companion Nancy. His grandchildren, Katie, Nichole and Kyle LaPlante, sister Sally Owens of Nevada and a niece and 3 nephews in Nevada. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on October 29th at 2PM in the Firtion Adams, 76 Broad St. Westfield. Visiting hours will precede the service from 12-2PM in the funeral home. Cars old and new will be appreciated in the lot, for a final cruise tribute. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163. www.firtionadams.com.

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