Gilbert A. LaFreniere, 80

Marlborough - Gilbert A. LaFreniere, 80, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007, at Kindred Hospital in Natick after an illness.

He leaves his companion of many years, Shirley Potter; his son, Bruce LaFreniere and his wife, Karen; his brothers, Ronald LaFreniere and Richard LaFreniere; his grandchildren, Brice LaFreniere Jr., Brian LaFreniere and Kelly LaFreniere; and his great-grandchildren, Zachary Bissonette and Kacie LaFreniere. He also leaves his former wife, Arlene (Pearson) LaFreniere.

Born in Marlborough, the son of Arthur and Gwendolyn (Brown) LaFreniere, he was a lifelong resident of the city. He graduated from Marlborough High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

Mr. LaFreniere was a purchasing agent for many years at the former Coppus Engineering Corp. of Worcester. Previously, he was employed for several years as a product manager at Harrington and Richardson Corp., also in Worcester.

He was a lifelong member of the Civil Air Patrol - Framingham Squadron, as well as an avid model airplane collector and a stamp collector.

A graveside service was held Aug. 8 at Evergreen Cemetery in Marlborough. The John P. Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough directed arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Salvatore Padula Chapter 82 of the DAV, P.O. Box 229, 255 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752.