Kim Joseph LaFleur

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Kim Joseph LaFleur on October 4, 2024, at the age of 67, in Lake Mary, Florida. With his family by his side, he ended his heroic year long battle with cancer. Despite the pain, Kim’s devotion and love of his family helped him remain strong until the end. Kim is survived by his adoring wife, Rossana, and sons Stephen, Patrick, Antonio, Ian, Andre and Michael LaFleur. Kim was born on January 6, 1957, in Troy, NY to William and Joan LaFleur of Wynantskill NY. He is also survived by his siblings Bryan (Lillian) LaFleur, Debbie Edwards, Sherry (Jim) Best, William LaFleur, and Joan (Alex) Gregorewsky. Kim graduated from Troy High School in 1974 and later obtained an Associate Degree in Recording Engineering from Full Sail University, where he was Valedictorian of his class. He also was chosen for the Course Director’s Award for Fundamentals of Music Business and Recording Consoles. Kim met the love of his life, Rossana Manfredi, in November of 2003. They were married in April of 2004 and began 20 years of romance and adventure. They whole heartedly supported each other’s dreams and joyfully welcomed sons Ian (16), Andre (14) and Michael (12). Kim also had great affection for his older sons, Stephen (37), Patrick (36) and Antonio (26). As a young boy, Kim was fascinated with guitars. He became an accomplished musician performing with many bands throughout his lifetime. It was his greatest honor to share his passion for music with his three youngest sons. Kim, Ian, Andre, Michael and friend Jason Wilkie performed classic hard rock music all around the region of Florida. Their band, Panic Station, was well known for capturing audience enthusiasm with their professional showcase. Kim’s immense passion for guitars was such a part of him that 17 years ago he founded Historic Makeovers, a vintage guitar restoration business. Because of Kim’s knowledge, expertise and skills, he was regarded as the best by many well-known musicians in the guitar community. Kim will be remembered for his exceptional work, kindness and dedication to his family and to his craft. His legacy will live on through his work and the memories of those whose lives he touched. The LaFleur family would like to thank Gary Schmatz, Chris Taylor, Tom Nelson, Pat Braun, Kenneth Bestine, Raj Bakshi, Christina Kalisz, Tracy Plenzler, Dena Hawkins, Veronica Barros, Soraya Suarez and the communities of All Souls Catholic School and Father Lopez Catholic High School for their unwavering friendship and loving support during this time. A special thanks to the staff of Westminster Baldwin Park Rehab and Vitas Hospice for their incredible care of Kim in his last days. We are eternally grateful to you all. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Debary, Florida at 11am. A small reception will follow. A Celebration of Life will be held in New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Go Fund Me that has been set up for Rossana and her sons at https://gofund.me/7f907e4c

Kim Joseph LaFleur

January 6, 1957 - October 4, 2024