Luis Lou DePina

He was born in Cape Verde to John and Alinda (Resende) DePina. Before becoming the Recreation Director for the City of Norwich where he served for 25 years until his retirement in July, he was a Program Director at the Norwich YMCA. On April 29, 1989, he married his best friend, Lynn (Hesselbach) DePina. Together, they raised their family in Norwich before moving to Preston, where he turned a parcel of land into their dream home.

“Lou” was dedicated to the people of Norwich, especially the youth, working tirelessly to give all he could, treating his position more like a vocation than a job. At home, his passion for landscaping and gardening created a yard that many would compliment and admire. He was a gifted athlete, a mentor to many and friend to all. Beyond his unequalled work ethic, civic mindedness and dedication to the area youth, he was an exemplary father who adored his children; and whose children respect and love him greatly. He was a devoted loving husband to his wife Lynn. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched over the years.

Lou is survived by his wife Lynn, his mother Alinda, and his three children: David, Jason and Emily DePina; brother, Quintin DePina; sister, Maria DePina; and extended family; including nephew, Michael Hesselbach; and two nieces, Penelope and Sarah Goldstein. He was predeceased by his father, John DePina.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Lou’s Life on Friday, September 23, 2011, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at The Chelsea Rose Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Norwich, 10 Laura Boulevard, Norwich, CT 06360. There are no calling hours and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please help keep Lou’s memory alive by considering donating to the Luis DePina Memorial Scholarship Fund, details to be announced at a later date.

To leave an online condolence or sign the guest book, please visit www.churchandallen.com