Richard Carl LaPine

Richie was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Alice (Ihloff) LaPine,; his brother, Ralph Jr. (Caroline); and his sister, Marlyn (“Dick”).

In 2017 he lost his one great love and rock, Shirley Clarke LaPine, with whom he shared nearly 62 years of marriage.

Born in Danbury, Connecticut, Rich graduated from Danbury High School, and Springfield College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during Korean War in 1952. He was honorably discharged in 1954. In recognition of his service, he was selected for the Collier County Honor Flight in 2018—an experience of a lifetime.

Rich was a much-loved and highly respected teacher at Danbury High School for more than 30 years, during which time he earned his masters degree in education from Fairfield University, retiring in 1987. Rich always instructed his students , “There are three ways of doing something: the right way, the wrong way, and the LaPine way!

To say Rich loved sports is an understatement. He played multiple sports throughout his youth and was a standout on the baseball team at Springfield College. At Danbury High School he taught physical education, and biology, coached baseball, football, and soccer.

He was a Fan of the Red Sox and Patriots and was a rabid fan of UConn's basketball teams— especially the women. He eventually moved full-time to Naples, where he embraced the warmth and sunshine. He became a regular at Skillets and Joe’s Diner where everyone knew him and his designated driver, fellow teacher, coach and dear friend, Jimmy Marchetti. Their stories—and their laughter, often at themselves—could shake the room.

Another highlight of his time in Naples was breaking bread regularly with his nieces Lynne and Suzie and their husbands. Sunday dinners were always at the home of Jimmy’s daughter, Annie, where the meals were wonderful but the company meant even more. Jimmy and Annie were true friends to the end.

Rich is survived by his three sons: Paul (Wendy) of Barnstable, MA; John (Chrystal) of West Barnstable, MA; and Bill of West Barnstable, MA. He also leaves behind his grandchildren— Alyssa (Brian), Matt (Emily), Joshua (Danielle), Ben (Mary), and Lizzy—and his great‑grandchildren Quinn, Caleb, Alden, and another expected in July 2026, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and outstanding professionalism of our dad’s caregivers, at both Terracina, and Physicians Regional Hospital- Collier Blvd., especially Dr. Weintraub.

Interment will take place in the spring or early summer at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Details will follow.