SARASOTA, Fla. – Bernard D. LaPlante, known to friends and family as “Bernie” or “Bunny” passed away surrounded by loving family and friends on Jan. 24, 2022 at the age of 78 following a traumatic brain injury.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 56 years, Rita Sherman LaPlante of Old Orchard Beach, (and Sarasota, Fla.) along with her six siblings and their spouses of the Sherman Family. He also leaves behind his daughters Kim Verreault and Kristin LaPlante, his son, Michael Pratt-LaPlante, his son-in-law, John Verreault; his grandchildren Jake Verreault, Andrew Verreault, Steffen Stoutenburg and Kiera Stoutenburg; his brother-in-law, Lloyd King, and Lloyd’s children Ricky, Kevin, and Michelle King.

He was predeceased by his father, Donald Joseph LaPlante, his mother, Lucy Blanchard LaPlante; his sister, Marlene LaPlante King; and his father and mother-in-law, Charlie and Rita Sherman.

Bernie was born and raised in Old Town, Maine. From a young age Bernie became a dedicated and talented athlete. While attending University of Maine Fort Kent for a degree in Education, he was a leader on and off the field. He was the captain of his basketball and soccer team as well as a four-year president of the class of 1966. Bernie’s talents and leadership resulted in an Athletic Hall of Fame induction for both sports in 2010. His passion for sports continued into his adult years as a lifetime New England sports fan.

After receiving an undergraduate degree he was awarded a fellowship from the Mott Foundation and earned his master’s in Education Administration from Western Michigan University. He then began his teaching career in Enfield, Conn. where he taught junior high English and also coached several sports. In 1977, he and Rita relocated their family to Maine where he continued his career as Vice Principal and Athletic Director at Bonny Eagle High School followed by 19 years at Thornton Academy as Sub-Master. During his career at Thornton Academy he was chosen to serve on The National Association of Secondary School Principals. He and Rita also owned and operated Virginia Park Campground in Old Orchard Beach for 33 summers. He considered all of the people who camped with them his “extended family.”

One of Bernie’s greatest gifts was his ability to make life-long friends. He had a large circle of friends from his years in education, owning the campground, and staying in touch with college buddies who remained tightly knit. His friends and family enjoyed annual hunting, fishing, and boating traditions year-after-year. Bernie and Rita were blessed with an amazing 20 year retirement filled with the joy of entertaining both in Sarasota, Fla. and Old Orchard Beach. Everyone has reaped the benefits of his knack and true passion for gourmet cooking over the years. The kitchen was his happy place and he will always be especially remembered for his Downeast lobster bakes!

His greatest pride was being a father and a grandfather, known to his grandchildren as “Papa-Bunny.” Bernard, “Bernie” “Bunny” and “Papa-Bunny” will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

A celebration of life is being planned for July in Saco. Specifics will be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to:

The Bernard D. LaPlante Award for Perseverance and Strength of Character through Thornton Academy in Saco. Checks can be made payable to Thornton Academy with a reference to the Bernard D. LaPlante Award and mailed to:

Thornton Academy

Attn: Development Office

438 Main St.

Saco, ME 04072

Or Tidewell Foundation Inc. (Hospice) in memory of Bernard D. LaPlante. Checks can be made payable to: Tidewell Foundation, Inc. and mailed to:

Tidewell Foundation, Inc.

5955 Rand Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34238

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