Dr. Jack L. Lapuck

Dr. Jack Lester Lapuck, of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024, at the age of 99, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Leslie Goldman-Lapuck, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage.

Jack was a devoted father to three children: Robert Lapuck of Mexico, Susan Berkowitz of Wayland, and Debra Saunders of Boca Raton, FL. He was also a cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren: Stephanie, Alex, Ellen, Jackie, Danielle, Stephen, and Jennifer, and a great-grandfather to Sterling and Kingston: dear brother of Sandra Mendelson of FL and the late Shirley Laine.

Born in Medway, MA, Jack attended Northeastern University, where he earned a BS in chemistry. After serving honorably in the Army, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where he and Ruth worked as dorm advisors, sharing what they described as the happiest years of their lives.

Jack began his career in Silver Springs, Maryland, working as a microbiologist. He later moved to Newton, MA, where he founded Lapuck Laboratories, an environmental and food testing business, which he directed for over 60 years. Jack also taught as a professor of Public Health paving the way for the next generation in his field. His contributions to public health included serving as an expert witness in court cases, conducting groundbreaking research on kidney dialysis machines, and acting as a health commissioner for many Massachusetts communities.

A dedicated member of Temple Emanuel in Newton for over 65 years, Jack served as president of the Brotherhood and participated actively in community life. He was also a proud 32nd-degree Mason and Shriner, regularly attending the Garden City Masonic Lodge and participating in family-friendly events like pancake breakfasts and the Shriners Circus.

Jack was passionate about travel, believing it was essential for his children to appreciate global diversity and understand their responsibility to support people worldwide. Summers with family at Cape Cod were particularly cherished, creating lasting memories.

Jack's family was paramount to him, and he relished spending quality time with his loved ones, particularly after retiring. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to family, community service, and public health.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack’s honor to Shriners Hospital for Children Boston and Mass General Cancer Center.