Verne E. Lariviere

Verne Ernest Lariviere, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 29, 1956, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Verne was 69 years old.

Raised in Granby, Massachusetts, Verne graduated from Granby Jr/Sr High School, where he excelled as an accomplished wrestler and soccer player. It was during junior high school that Verne met his lifelong partner, Deborah L. (Racicot) Lariviere. Their love story began at Granby Jr/Sr High School and blossomed into a 57-year partnership, celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Verne pursued higher education, earning an associate degree from Holyoke Community College. His professional career spanned 20 years as a maintenance mechanic with Coca-Cola, followed by roles at Ice River Springs Bottling and Premium Water Bottling Company.

Passionate about soccer, Verne dedicated 21 years to coaching, inspiring countless young athletes. A true outdoorsman, he relished fishing and boating, exploring over 150 lakes in New York and New England with Deborah at his side. A highlight of his travels was fulfilling a bucket-list dream by visiting Alaska in June. Additionally, Verne enjoyed pottery classes, where he found creativity and relaxation.

Verne's legacy is carried on by his mother, Rita (Gaudette) Lariviere; his beloved wife, Deborah; and their sons, Justin (wife Lindsay) of Derry, NH, and Jason (wife Lauren) of Brunswick, ME. He was the proud grandfather of Lilah, Grayson, Graham, and Weston. Verne is also survived by his seven siblings, Linda Laprade (Andre), Allen Lariviere (Rose), Rene Lariviere (Joanne), Ian Lariviere (Brenda), Ila Smith (Dan), Erin Kelly (John),  Samuel Lariviere (Lisa). He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Albert Lariviere, and two sisters, Ruth Detour and Echo Yanosky.

Family, friends, and those whose lives Verne touched are invited to pay their respects during the calling hours on Friday, October 9th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by closing remembrances at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and The D'Amour Center for Cancer Care in Springfield, MA.