My deepest condolences to Bill's wife, family and colleagues. All who knew Bill were impressed by his deep intelligence, non-negotiable commitment to duty and limitless array of competencies.  As a leadership trainer, I knew him fleetingly; as a courage coach, he honored the process in which we were engaged by his unusual candor, his bold insights into his true behavioral self and a courageous commitment to advance his character competencies. I've worked with many chief and senior executives in the corporate, government and military worlds; Bill made a deep impression on me and taught me much.  I admire and appreciate him and miss him deeply.  His family and our world have lost a great one. Bill, as we say at West Point, thy work is done, be thou at peace.

Bill was one of the most courageous and principled senior executives I ever knew. He had a deep and abiding interest in being his best moral self and took to his heart the responsibility of equipping his people to be courageous leaders. His loss is inestimable. He is profoundly missed. His legacy of committed leadership and development of others into their best selves lives on.

I wanted to express condolences to all of Bill’s family, friends and colleagues during this very sad time.  We are still shocked at the news of Bill’s passing – it seems he was just with us an American Meteorological Society event.  Bill was the best type of professional colleague you could ask for – tremendously smart, caring, passionate and completely committed to the weather community’s shared public service mission.  He always was serious about his work but he never took himself too seriously – you could always count on his smile and sense of humor.  

There have been many comments about how much Bill was loved by his federal colleagues – that was definitely the case.  Bill was very well known within the entire Weather Enterprise and was loved by all.  You always learned something new talking with Bill and came up with a way to make something better.  In reflecting about Bill, one of the things I really loved about him was that he always welcomed feedback about NOAA models which he used that to make things better, he never took it personally or turned away constructive comments.  I’ll always remember the many NCEP Production Suite Meetings in December he kindly invited me to and how he ran those meetings very effectively keeping the presentations on track but ensuring good questions and discussions occurred.  He was ahead of his time in thinking about how the Weather Industry could partner with the NWS to make an impact that was greater than the sum of its parts.  

To Cathy and Bill’s daughters – we are all thinking and praying for you during this time.  Your husband and father meant so much to many people and had a tremendous impact on making the very best weather forecasts all over the world.  I hope that knowing how much he was admired and loved by his professional colleagues brings some small measure of comfort.   

Jon Porter, AccuWeather


I'd first met Bill when he came to NCEP down at the old building in Camp Springs.  I was impressed with his vast knowledge, how he treated people at work, and how he dealt with differences at the office.  He was always so kind and outgoing.  He was definitely deserving of the positions he took at work and was a strong advocate for all that NCEP does.  I'm sad he was taken so soon and so young, and will keep Cathy and your daughters in my prayers.  He'll always be with you.

Bill was a FRIEND, a mentor, a colleague and my professor. Since 1998, he has always been available when I needed to confide in him. I spent almost a year in Huntsville away from my family to attend UAH. Guess who became part of my family? Bill.  We often had seemingly endless discussions about Fluid Dynamics and atmospheric modeling. It took me a week to be able to write this because I am still in such shock. However, I want Bill's family (who I have never met) to know what a kind soul he was and what a positive impact he had on my life.  My heart goes out to you. I pray for you  and I wish you the best as you put your lives back together. Maybe one thing that will help is remembering how much he was loved by all of us and that will never change. Blessings  - Jeffrey Medlin, NWS Mobile, AL 

Dear Cathy,

I extend to you and your family my deepest sympathy.  You have been in my prayers since the day of Bill's passing.  Reading the beautiful and thoughtful tributes to your husband has given me insight into the wonderful husband and father he was.   

I had never met you before I decided to talk a walk on the beach that day. It was just by chance that I was there, and our paths will likely not cross again; but even so you will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers.  God bless you and your family.

Marnie Pascuzzi



Although I did not know Bill, I did have the privilege of recently working with Cathy  before she retired from NASA.   It's clear in reading the posts that Bill was a great father, husband and scientist.   I knew that simply by how Cathy talked about him.  I am so sorry for this loss and send my deepest condolences to Cathy, Kristy and Courtney.  I know there are no words to take away the pain. Please know you have a huge support group behind you. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.

I met Bill at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville in 1990.  The hallway conversations I had with him showed Bill's passion and drive for meteorological problems. His enthusiasm was off the scale! He made it possible for me to be in the advisory committee for the SPoRT project, a first-of-its-kind link between NASA research and NOAA meteorological science infusion.  At every meeting I witnessed, Bill succeeded in stimulating thought and teamwork toward a common purpose. The same happened as director of NCEP except even bigger. I hope we can permanently capture his leadership traits and values in a serious  vignette of what successful leading in meteorology can be for this and future generations! 

Bill Lapenta didn't just settle for making acquaintances. He made friends. And he didn't stop there. He did more. He made his friends better people. His personal integrity, intellect, positive energy, vision, deep love for everyone around him  weren't just evident -- they were contagious. To be with Bill, even briefly, was to come away more perceptive, more engaged, kinder, stronger. His influence will live on and grow, through the lives of everyone he touched.

Bill was such an amazing person - quick-witted, totally genuine, straightforward, a brilliant scientist who really knew how to connect with people.  He made a point of reaching out whenever he came to Boulder to meet up for beer and pizza at a local restaurant to brainstorm about science. But Bill was even more passionate about family, which he loved to talk about (especially when he discovered both our kids were at Chapman). It was truly an honor and a privilege to have gotten to know Bill, and I'll miss him dearly.  My heart is broken for the Lapenta family, and my thoughts are with you.

Bill was my boss at NCEP for almost five years, and more importantly, he was my mentor.  I admired his leadership and how he set an example of how to make people a priority. He genuinely cared about people and fostered an environment where people felt valued and respected. While he carried the weight of a huge organization on his shoulders, when he spoke with you, he truly made you feel all of that could wait. When things got tough, he had the courage to stand up for what was right. He was constantly learning and challenging himself, setting an example for others. He always talked about how it’s important to take care of yourself and spend time with family. Bill was passionate about mentoring. He started the NCEP intern program as he wanted to give more opportunities to students and pass along knowledge and lessons learned to help them be successful in their careers. On the last day I saw him about a week before he passed, I told him how he improved the culture at NCEP over the years he was there. He said the culture of an organization starts at the top and he took that responsibility seriously.  I will miss Bill tremendously. 

I was so saddened to hear the tragic news of Bill as were my colleagues at the National Science Foundation (NSF). We have had interactions with Bill over the years, initially as Director NCEP and more recently Director OWAQ.  

Bill was scheduled to visit NSF on November 7 and we were looking forward to his visit. Alas that was not to be! It has been a somber week at work. Everyone is in a state of disbelief. 

May it help the family to know that Bill was widely respected not just within NOAA, but across the federal family. We can only hope that time will be a healer of this huge loss. 

RIP dear colleague, you will be sorely missed.

Anjuli S Bamzai

Bill had a marvelous sense of humor and a quick wit. He was one of the most positive people I have known. Spending time with him always meant laughter. He was generous, supportive of his friends, unfailingly honest, and honorable.

I am grateful for the friendship and support that Bill and Cathy gave my family at a time when one of us faced serious health challenges. I am grateful to him for being a “dad of the world,” always willing to play with, teach, and look out for not only for his own daughters, but all of their friends. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to eat his homemade pizzas and to play board games, watch football, set off rockets on the beach, or just hang out with him. He knew how to spark joy.

Bill loved nature and happily shared that love with friends. I will never forget the cloudless night that he herded our families down to watch the full moon, immense and orange, rise slowly from the blackness of the ocean. I am grateful for his gift of that experience.

Cathy, Kristy, and Courtney, Jack and I had the chance to spend an evening with Bill last fall when he visited Madison.  Cathy, he  praised your ability to figure out what you want from life and go for it. He also expressed his appreciation for what a gifted mother you were, describing the communication channels that you lovingly built with your girls, what a wonderful role model you were, and how those things contributed to the strong women they grew to be. It struck me at the time how typical of Bill this was:  over the years, he openly and frequently expressed his admiration of you and how grateful he was to have you as his life partner. Kristy and Courtney, your dad spoke at length about each of you. He was so proud of you, your talents, character, and accomplishments, but also the maturity and thoughtfulness with which you faced decision-making. He expressed delight in the friendship he had with you as adults.  He cherished each of you. I am so sorry for your loss. 


My deepest condolences and sympathies to Cathy and her two daughters. May the smiles, hugs, and good times shared with Bill bring you peace and solitude as you grieve his passing.

Fair winds and following seas to Bill as he embarks on his new journey and watches over his wife and daughters.

I will always remember all the great times with Bill at Penn State; his quick wit and sharp humor.  He was a speedy outfielder who led several Meteorology Department teams to IM softball championships.  My dad always remembered fondly the late night (early morning) conversation with Bill the night that Bill stayed with him after his Penn State bachelor's party. 

Bill was my boss from 2013 up until when I retired in March 2018.  I admired his style of leadership which was one of collaboration, coaching and visionary.  He was a man of integrity and wit who gained the trust and respect of his employees very quickly.  Coming from a research organization he quickly adapted to the operational environment in leading the National Centers for Environmental Prediction in critical, life-saving 24x7 weather water and climate services to the nation.  

On a personal note, Bill was a friend and strong supporter of mine during the last 18 months as I battled lung cancer.  He was a motivator and cheerleader to me as I went through a lobectomy surgery, 35 radiation treatments and 9 chemotherapy sessions.  He would text me often to check in on me and give me words of encouragement and inspiration along the way.  His texts seemed to come at just the right moment I needed them.  I am saddened and heartbroken at Bill’s passing.  I will miss him and am forever grateful for having known and worked beside him.  

I was heartbroken to hear of Bill's loss.  I worked with him at NASA (Marshall Space Flight Center) for several years before he moved to DC. He was a great scientist, an exceptional leader, and a friend.  My sincerest condolences, sending prayers.  Here is a picture of Bill during his talk at our first "Science Jamboree" at MSFC in 2007.  Bill was a bright star in the cosmos, he will be greatly missed.


I only met and began to work with Bill a few months ago when he joined NOAA Research, but that was enough time for him to make a great impact on me and our team.  I liked and trusted him immediately.  He was bold, approachable, sharp, funny, and kind.  He made waves, but in the best way- always the right ones for the right reasons.  His presence energized every room he was in, and we were all looking forward to doing great things together.  I already miss him.  I cannot imagine how much harder it is for those who knew him better and longer.  He was an incredible person, and the world needed him in it.  We will work to carry on his ideas and his legacy.  

Mrs. Lapenta and family, I am saddened to hear of your loss; the NOAA family loved Bill and will miss him greatly.  I know the Lord will grant you peace and love during this difficult time.  Prying for you all.

Bill was always friendly and upbeat.  He will be greatly missed.  My condolences to his family and friends.

Bill was a great friend and colleague for more than 3 decades.  He was a brilliant meteorologist, a leader in the profession, a champion for the next generation, and a devoted husband and father.  I had the great fortune to meet Bill in graduate school at Penn State, and subsequently worked alongside him at various times, including at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and in the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.  I will never forget our heartfelt conversations just prior to Bill’s decision to go after the NCEP Director job, which of course he was a shoo-in for.  Throughout his career, Bill was on the leading edge of environmental prediction activities, and his recent efforts to accelerate the Earth Prediction Innovation Center epitomize this.  I will forever miss Bill’s endless patience and drive to be the best.  I pray for Cathy and the entire Lapenta family, and hope you know how much Bill was loved by his colleagues.




Bill was a deeply humble, giving high performer/high achiever who, in our last year of conversation in Silver Spring, instilled in me the value  (or should I say... virtue...) of living a balanced life. Both by example and words, he showed me the results that come from "living fully" in our discrete time blocks of work, nutrition, fitness, vacation, and above all -- family.   
I remain ever grateful to him for listening and responding to my  quest to get more steeped in operational meteorology so that I can excel in my position.   True to form, he not only listened but also delivered by creating my first rotation in NWS as NCEP.  It was an experience that critically enriched my knowledge and also deepened my understanding of our agency.  To date -- it's one of my top 3 positive experiences in the agency. 
I admire his leadership style too.   He is  a rare type that leads both from the top, but also from within.  Such leaders touch you and imprint on you in a way that never fades.  I aspire to be a leader of such quality.    
His passion for NOAA, but also for the people we serve, was ever present and energetically on full display.  There are times when the passion ran "east coast hot", as I like to say, yet it was done in a way that kept the dignity and respect of both parties in tact -- and in a way that "iron shapes iron" -- both come out better as a result, and so did the agency. 
I am unable to attend the services.  I had plans with family that would make it too tight for me to turn around, yet I also realize that Bill would have preferred this as family was so central to him.  
To his family...you were his north star, the beacon that he went to when his work was completed.  You gave him rest, joy, and the recharge that clearly enabled him to do remarkable feats for the agency -- and by extension --  the nation.    May you soon experience a peace beyond understanding (especially of things that cannot be fully understood).   

Cathy, Kristy, And Courtney,
      Sending you prayers and hugs.  Such wonderful memories we had at Chris Collins Dance Studio.  Bill was such a good sport joining the Dance Dads!    Those were special times at competition, the Courtneys practicing and competing their duet, WDW, just hanging around at your house.  
 
You are in our thoughts,
       Heli, Bob, Courtney, Paige

I wanted to share my condolences with Bill's family. I am very sorry and sad to hear about your loss. I had the fortunate opportunity to have Bill as an internship mentor during the summer of 2003 in Huntsville.  Bill was a great mentor and always took whatever time was necessary to explain things. I was inspired not only by his knowledge, but also his very friendly demeanor and kindness. I am greatful that our paths crossed in life.

My name is Rebecca Schwab and I'm the Secretary for the National Weather Service, Alaska Region Headquarters for the Administrative Management Division in Anchorage, Alaska.  I did not know him or get to meet him in person but I have seen his name in NWS Update News Edition and seen his picture in articles and also seen emails and memos from Bill here and there.  I would like to send my condolescences to the Lapenta Family and his wife, Cathy and their daughters.  I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all in the difficult time.   

Although I work for the NWS, I first met Bill at AMS conferences.  We would work the career fair together, and you could tell how much he liked visiting with the students.  From an incredible scientist to an engaging people person, he was someone I greatly appreciated knowing.  

When we started the NWS Mentoring program pilot project years ago, he was one of the first to sign up to be a mentor.  Having someone who's at his level in the agency willing to be there for those just entering into their careers, that was impressive!  

He truly will be missed, and I'll be donating to the scholarship with his name for the AMS when I renew my dues.  It's a great way to pay it forward all that he's done for our community.  

Cathy, my thoughts are with you and family and my condolences go out to all of you.  Words are not enough, but hope by hearing from a previous colleague would let you know that you are in my thoughts. 

Pat Thomas

Bill was a great boss when he was head of EMC.  He had a perpetually positive attitude which was never a common attribute at EMC at this most stressful time.  I recall Bill was actually looking forward to the shutdown during which only senior managers were going to be allowed into the building.  He said he finally would have the time to get the budget & personnel spreadsheets synced up - it took him the whole 3 weeks or so to accomplish - but he came out smiling.  Even after be became NCEP director he would stop by and ask how things were going and he really meant it - rather than it being a lead in for sharing his own troubles which the majority of my visitors would do.  He was younger than I was so we didn't have too much cause to talk about our ailments, but I recall he had to get his cholesterol down and was not looking forward to dropping cheese from his diet.  I vividly recall a couple of poker nights when both he and Cathy joined us and [especially Cathy] shared with us new games.  We never had to try letting them win, which they did often.  My last recollection I'll share came late in our shared time at EMC.  An outside committee was blasting the mesoscale program which I had been leading for a couple of decades.  Bill told me repeatedly 'you can't take it personally ... we'll use it to our advantage in getting future resources.'  To paraphrase Mad Dog in the movie Kelly's Heroes, "Always with the positive waves, Lapenta!!"  

I will miss Bill dearly.  

Bill embodied the best of everything. He was a smart scientist who dedicated himself to his family while also moving his passion of meteorology and numerical weather prediction forward. He treated everyone with respect, listening closely to input and incorporating some of those points into his overall messages. His many accomplishments placed him at a rare pinnacle in his career. He was an awesome participant in the Glen Gerberg Weather & Climate Summit in Breckenridge and will be missed terribly. It pains us all to see such a good man taken so early.

Most importantly, his love for his family was never ending. As a father of two girls, I can't begin to describe the depth of love Bill has for Cathy and the girls. I hope you know that you were everything to him. His reason for living. While his passing is tragic please know joy will be rekindled when you are all reunited once again after you have lived life to its fullest.

I am so sorry for your loss.  I had not seen Bill since 1997 when I left NASA but he was one of those people who always had a smile for everyone.  I am sure the world will be a more somber place without his smile.  I will be praying for you Cathy.

Bill was a great friend. He was kind and generous with his time. We are all better for knowing him. I will miss him dearly. 

Cathy, Kristy and Courtney I am so very sorry for your loss. We are here when you need us. 

Bill was both a friend and a mentor for many years. Bill was a huge part of the reason that I moved to Huntsville in early 2002, and he was my supervisor while I worked on the NASA SPoRT program. During that summer and fall I grew both personally and professionally under his guidance. 

Bill was always a friendly and smiling face stopping by the WFO there until he moved around 2008 to take a job within NOAA. That was bittersweet as I missed the talks and interaction, but I also knew that NOAA would benefit greatly from such a unique person. 

Since that time, Bill and I would cross path at conferences or keep in touch via email. He always had time for your now matter how busy he was or how full his schedule might be. We would talk about work, family, vacations, or really anything. The light of the world is a little dimmer today. 

Bill was a friend, respected colleague, brilliant scientist, and influential leader whose efforts have profoundly advanced the weather enterprise and left an indelible and positive impact on NOAA.  Bill always had a warm smile, a quick wit, and a constructive influence on any engagement.  He was a person of integrity, whose love for family, friends, and science was tangible, contagious and always evident.  I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bill and hope and pray that God brings the entire Lapenta family strength, peace, and comfort today and everyday.

Bill was one of the good guys in charge.  He listened, he shared, he cared. He was a fine example of what a true leader should be. 
        We would share stories comparing where our daughters were “birding,” and he loved to brag about both his daughters’ skills.
      NOAA has lost a great leader, he will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family. 

I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayer are with the Lapenta family and friends.

My brother in law Bill was an incredible man who is special to all of us. He loved his family more then life and his whole extended family was a huge part of his life. We all loved his visits from Virginia to N.Y. 
For myself Bill was not only Family but he was a best friend .  We would share so much together with our little talks and Men’s getaways in the mountains. He was one of the funniest people I know and I am blessed to be a part of his life!

Bill exemplified the truest form of a mentor.  He was especially tough on me, and always honest.  At times back then, I didn't necessarily agree nor understand, but I certainly do today.  Bill was preparing me as a young student for the many challenges that he knew I would face in my career.  We had a great conversation in Huntsville three weeks ago, discussing old times, laughing, sharing his love for taking on new projects and guiding young meteorologists.  He was a great mentor, but an even better friend. Bill will be sorely missed. 

Bill and I were the first in the office, so I will miss our early morning chats.   Right outside of the office is the perfect spot to see the sunrise.  Bill loved to view the sunrise and would come get me when there was a particularly colorful one.  I will remember his smile and his love for family.  He encouraged us to disconnect when we were on vacation and enjoy family time.  One of my fondest memories was when I came in one morning and Bill was setting up to make waffles for the office.  

To Cathy and the Girls I can't imagine your loss.  Please find comfort in knowing that we are here for you.  I pray for peace in the midst of this storm.   

Bill's energy and interest in the work of the forecasters at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) was truly genuine and greatly appreciated.  I will personally remember the excitement he showed when visitors came to the center, and in conversations when getting ready to go to, or recently coming from, visits with family.  I also enjoyed comparing rainfall amounts from our respective rain gauges.  To the entire family,  thoughts of comfort and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.

Bill is honestly a gem of a human being and this world won’t be the same with out him. His daughters Kristy, Courtney, and I have been friends since middle school and we did everything together.  I didn’t have the best family experience so Bill and Cathy  filled that void for me with out a single question or hesitation. Bill is selfless and loved his family endlessly. Bill has THE BEST dad jokes. The absolute best. On top of that his dance moves are amazing and his homemade pizza rivaled any pizza place you could think of. My heart is broken for his family, but I know his girls will live their lives to the fullest just has he had intended. I love you guys <3


I am so saddened by your loss. Bill was a friend, a comrade in the NWS, and a mentor to me. I so appreciated his knowledge and wisdom. And his ability and desire to stand up for what he believed was right regardless the potential cost. 

We have lost a good, honorable, and brilliant man. The world is lesser place without him. Bill...you will not be forgotten.

Dear Cathy & Loving Daughter’s of your Dad.  I always loved him. Just such a nice guy.  I know he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he be at peace & May all ur great memories keep him alive always in your hearts.

All my love
Valerie

Bill was a good teacher, colleague, and a wonderful person. I was fortunate to know and work with him while he was at the MSFC collaborating/teaching at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He will be greatly missed. My wife and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Cathy, their children, and the rest of the family. We will have you in our thoughts and prayers.

OBITUARY

William Michael Lapenta

September 21, 1961 – September 30, 2019

Murphy Funeral Homes

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