George Lapides

Beloved husband of Elaine. Devoted father of Robert and Laurie. Cherished grandfather of Samuel, Becky, Sage, and Aria. Brother of Isador Lapides and the late Morris Lapides.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, April 3rd at 2:45 PM at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA. Join the livestream at https://tinyurl.com/GeorgeLapides

George was born in Boston on March 7, 1934 to Samuel and Polly (Braslavsky) Lapides, the youngest of three brothers. Growing up in Mattapan with Russian immigrant parents, George was impacted by the rich heritage of his Jewish neighborhood. He graduated from English High School in 1952 and went on to play hockey as a student of Boston University.

While in his Twenties, he decided to join his brothers and father in starting a family business. George, in particular, had an entrepreneurial spirit and always wanted to create something successful himself vs. work for others…and he did. He was passionate about the rug company and real estate business and dedicated his life to it. He supplied and serviced the carpet needs for many schools and churches, including Harvard University and MIT. He was affiliated with these schools for many years. He loved what he did on a daily basis. His greatest pleasure was his work and spending time with his family and close friends.

George was very proud of being a Seabee Reservist. He passed his pea jacket and uniform to his 19 year-old grandson, Sage, who saw him as a mentor.

George and Elaine (Glassman) married in 1957. She was 18 years old, and he was 23. They formed a loving partnership that lasted 65 years. They raised two children – son Robert and daughter Laurie. George was the greatest Dad. It did not matter how busy he was; he made time to be with his children, take them places, and talk to them about how to create a successful life. Above all, he listened.

As a little girl, Laurie would wake up early in the morning so she could sit on the bathroom counter and watch her dad shave. He would inspire her to have a good day. These talks were part of their bonding through the years. After graduating with a Masters of Arts in Theater degree, she was inspired to create her own successful business, like her dad had done. Lau is married to Jeremy Bento, a man with a close bond with George. Jeremy is devoted to his family in California but moved to Boston after marrying Lau, making her family his own.

George’s son Rob was influenced by his dad, who took him to his business and showed him how things work. They loved the wildlife and hiking in the Blue Hills and enjoyed Houghton’s Pond together. In recent times, George would continue the ritual of monthly breakfast at Newcomb Farms in Milton, bringing large containers to fill with spring water in back of the restaurant. Rob graduated from Babson College and also started his own business. George had a great relationship with Iryna Stauskaya, a special young woman, a loving partner to Rob. George cared about her, and it went beyond the great food and chocolate chip cookies she would prepare for him. They liked each other as people and were alike in certain ways. Iryna, who grew up in Belarus and became an American citizen, was close to George’s heart, reminding him of his Russian roots in certain ways.

George had four grandchildren. He made the effort to be close to each one.

When Sam Lapides, now 27, was born, he was named after George’s father. Every Sunday morning starting when Sam was in a highchair, until he was 16, he would go to breakfast with his Dad and Puppa. George was so proud of Sam, who is attending Carnegie Mellon University for a graduate degree in engineering.

Becky is 24 and in medical school. She was recently remembering the times she spent with her Nan and Puppa; apple picking and carving pumpkins every year, going out for meals together and eating ice cream together in the summer.

Sage is George’s 19 year-old grandson. Sage grew up with his parents and grandparents in the same house. He and George were closely bonded. He loved his Puppa’s stories and would talk many things over with him. George was so proud of Sage, who joined the Marines and is an Eagle Scout. Sage cares so much about his family.

Aria is 19 years old. When her creative spirit would pop in to visit her Puppa and tell him she loves him, his spirit would soar. He would feel better in the company of Aria: an artist, actress, photographer, but most of all a loving and caring person. Aria could sit and talk to her Puppa about everything.

All of George’s grandchildren and his own children have memories of great times at Wollaston Beach with George and Elaine, celebrating life by flying many kites and sharing meals at the Clam Box.

Howard Glassman is Elaine’s brother. Howie and his wife Shelley, along with their children Ben and Emily and their children Zen and Milo, Vickey and her spouse Alyssa, and Lana, all were all close to George. When Elaine and George married, Howie was the ring bearer. He grew up viewing George as an example of a successful man who he could ask advice of when needed. Elaine, George, and family have shared many holidays and good times with Howie and family.

George recently connected to his sister-in-law, Myra Lapides, who was married to the late Morris. At a recent lunch arranged by Lau, George was bursting with memories and stories to share with Myra.

Also family to George was Harris, Tobi, and their two loving children, Hannah and Sarah. Harris is the son of Elaine and George’s lifelong friends, the late Arlene and Stanley Bloomwald. Harris and his family has continued to remain close. Breakfast at the Kugel was his favorite.

Carol Yanofsky, Elaine and George’s lifelong friend, has been like family since before children were born. Carol and her late loving partner Sunny, spent so many social times with Elaine and George. George loved Carol and they shared a special bond together. She recently saw him in person, and it meant so much to them both.

George’s daughter Lau’s close friends are family. Carol who talked to George on many occasions, he loved. He knew she cared about him. Joanne, Brad, Lilly, and Ethan all have a special connection to George and family. Joanne would visit them from New York with the family and would spend time communicating with George one-to-one. He was special to her.

This is a special story about a special guy. Everyone discussed mattered greatly and are loved by Elaine and George.

God bless you all and thank you for helping Elaine and her family say goodbye to a great guy. May you carry the memories of George in your heart.