Prominent and highly respected musician and educator, Nashua native Albert A. “Berdie” LaFlamme died Friday evening, February 27, 2015 at his home after a period of declining health. Born January 9, 1925 Albert had just celebrated his 90th Birthday with his family and friends.
The third son of George and Rose (Lalmond) LaFlamme and married to Joan M. (Messier) LaFlamme for 67 years, Albert and Joan would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this May. Berdie attended local schools, graduating from Nashua High School in 1942. He served with the US Navy during World War II as a Combat Gunner and studied percussion with the renowned George B. Stone, Associate Professor – Boston University-Percussion for five years.
Berdie worked as a machinist for many years when he chose to open a music store in Milford in 1955, LaFlamme Music Store at the Oval in Milford, NH. While working in Milford, Berdie founded the Milford Spartan Drum and Bugle Corps –then moving to Nashua to expand the opportunities for the youth of Nashua. In 1974 Berdie was awarded the Service to Youth Award for his dedication and teachings to the youth of Nashua. Since its inception, the Spartans have received National Acclaim for their winning ways over the past 60 years.
In 1966 Berdie earned his New Hampshire Teaching Certificate and started his teaching career at Nathaniel Hawthorne College moving on to the Salem, NH School District for the next twenty two years. During his tenure in Salem, Berdie was recognized numerous times for his dedication and success to the Salem program. He received the Teacher of the Year Award in May of 1981 and was inducted to the Salem High School Hall of Fame on October 6, 2006.
Berdie also served as Chairman of the Solo Ensemble Festival for the New Hampshire Educators Association at Plymouth State College in March of 1983.
A family man, Berdie loved his family and enjoyed watching the family grow to eight children, seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. After retiring Berdie became an avid golfer enjoyed playing the game almost every day.
When receiving the Salem Educators Association Teacher of the Year Award, the plaque presented to him from the S.A.E. states his life and accomplishments beautifully and reads as follows: “Berdie is a success who loves life and lives it to the fullest. Who has discovered and shared the strengths and talents that are uniquely his own; who puts his best into each task, and leaves each situation better than he found it. Who seeks and finds that which is beautiful, In all people and all things whose heart is full of love. And warm with compassion who has found joy in living, and peace within himself.”
Berdie leaves his wife Joan M. (Messier) LaFlamme, the love of his life for 67 years; eight children, Philip A. LaFlamme Sr. of Durham, ME, Richard Albert LaFlamme (September 14, 1949-August 17, 1956), Paul and Dorothy LaFlamme Sr. of Hollis, NH, Patricia and Bruce Rankins of Gilford, NH and Clearwater, FL, Peter A. LaFlamme Sr. of Nashua, Celeste and Dr. Robert Sticca of Fargo, ND, Joan and Douglas Finn of Hudson, and Jeffrey and Natalie LaFlamme of Nashua; seventeen grandchildren, Philip A. LaFlamme Jr. and Family, Attorney Tricia LaFlamme Albert and Family, Amanda and Patrick LaFlamme, Paul G. LaFlamme Jr. and Family, Brendan LaFlamme and Family, Dr. Kevin Rankins and Family, Timothy and Kristen Rankins, Hillary Rankins, Peter A. Jr. and Catherine LaFlamme, Justin LaFlamme, Jenna-Rose LaFlamme, Jonathan and Katie Sticca, Matthew Lopez, Rebecca and Janelle LaFlamme; also fourteen great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Thelma (Costaras) LaFlamme; and many nieces and nephews. Berdie was predeceased by his brothers, Philip A. LaFlamme and George N. LaFlamme and his wife Esta.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Parish at Infant Jesus Church, 121 Allds Street, Nashua, Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
