Bobby LaPointe, 83, Massena

MASSENA - A Massena native is no longer with us. Bobby LaPointe of Rosebrier Avenue in Massena, NY, passed away at the age of 83 on October 17, 2026.

Robert Gerald LaPointe (Bobby) was born on August 22, 1943, in Cornwall, Ontario, and began his life in Massena on Robinson Street behind the Dixie BBQ (later Corky’s). When he was seven, his family moved to 37 Sycamore Street across from Alcoa Field. These were the best of times for Little Bobby. Alcoa Field was Massena’s Disneyland.

There were fireworks, football games, baseball games, hockey games, military displays, and croquet being played well into the morning hours. Collecting Coke bottles for two cents during big tournaments was a great way to pick up some money for bubble gum and baseball cards. Pick up games of all sorts could be viewed by people passing by. There were kids’ games with kids’ rules. A game of tag on “the tower” overlooking the football field lasted for hours.

Then there was always “The Canal” to cool off in – but he never swam alone, for the water was deep, and the current was swift! Bobby kept this swimming hole a secret from his parents – or so he thought.

With corner grocery stores like Mr. Podgurski’s, Carma’s, Mr. Serabian’s, Mr. Simond Durham’s, Mr. Leo Albert’s, and Giroux’s, as well as St. Mary’s School just down Sycamore Street, it just couldn’t get any better.

The exception, of course, was when you played summer baseball for Jim Long and got the “Long Awaited T-Shirt.” Parading down Main Street in a brand new Rotary Royal’s Baseball Uniform during the very first year of Massena Little League was the highlight of Bobby’s eight year old summer.

Bob continued to play sports at Massena High School. He had the unique experience of playing the last high school football season at Alcoa Field and the first football season at Nicholas Field. An avid participant in many sports, Bob was always appreciative of what Massena had to offer him throughout his life. He received the Mike Mittiga Football Award in 1959 and was inducted into the Massena Hall of Fame in 1995 with his wife and children looking on.

After a short stint of training and working for Delta Airlines in Chicago, Bob continued playing sports at Plattsburgh State College while pursuing his BA degree in Elementary Education. Having completed his graduate work at Potsdam State College, he taught fourth grade at Salmon River Central School for 33 years. In 1973, Robert Gerald LaPointe was chosen as “Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America.”

His love for children made this a most enjoyable career choice. Bob had the opportunity to coach high school football and hockey. After years of shoveling outdoor rinks, he was fortunate enough to have coached the very first hockey team at the new Salmon River Arena.
Bob’s life revolved around family and friends. He married the love of his life, Norma Jean Wasmuth, on April 6, 1968. He loved watching their children perform in school concerts and plays, at swim meets, and at soccer, hockey, and baseball games. Extensive travel, Broadway plays, and writing and publishing poetry books were enjoyable family pastimes. He also took great pride in watching his granddaughter perform in television and film productions and was her biggest fan. At 80, he became a published poet with three volumes of Poppy’s Poems: “Seasons,” “Whimsical Wisdom,” and “Playful Ponders.” His fourth and fifth books are children’s books called “Feeling Great” and “Round and Round: Leaves.”

Bob is survived by his devoted wife and typist of over 58 years, Norma Jean Wasmuth LaPointe; son Michael Andre LaPointe; daughter Danielle Elyce LaPointe-McEwan and her husband Courtney McEwan; a precious granddaughter, Claire Elyce LaPointe-McEwan; and Justin, Josh, and Jayda McEwan. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Mario Ongaro, and their children Kelly, Michael, Daniel, and Robert; a sister-in-law, Mary LaPointe; and nieces and nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Eva LaPointe; his infant daughter, Lisa Ann; and his brother, Edward LaPointe, Jr. He was fortunate to have Evelyn Traynor LaPointe as his “second mother” until her death and to enjoy her Russell and Fitzpatrick families.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, 100 N. Main Street, Massena, where friends may call on November 10th from 4-6:00 PM, when a celebration of his life will be held at 6:00 PM with Rev. Judy VanKennan, officiating.

Bob’s wishes are that, in lieu of flowers, you may want to consider becoming an organ donor, visiting a nursing home and becoming part of a lonely person’s day, volunteering for a community activity, and giving your loved ones a hug while telling them how much joy they bring to you.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and photos or offer condolences to the family online at www.donaldsonfh.com.