Carl H. LaPiene

“Jake,” as he was affectionately known, was born on January 3, 1934, in East Hampton, CT, the son of the late Norman and Florence (Hitriz) LaPiene. He attended local Connecticut schools and, during his career, worked as a frontline inspector for Monsanto Company in Deep River, CT, and then as a night watchman at Anchor Motor Freight on Wellesley Island.

Jake was devoted to his family, doting on his eight younger siblings in Connecticut before moving to Hammond in 1988. He moved with his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Laura, along with their nine children: Jen, Ken, Bill, Brian, Kevin, Kim, Beth, Denise and Dennis. He adored each one of them and found great joy in being a part of their upbringing in a multigenerational home.

Jake remained in Hammond after his brother and sister-in-law moved to South Carolina. His niece, Denise, and her husband, Tom, built their life in Hammond and were honored to watch over and care for him through the years. He found great happiness in spending time with them and their children, Lydia and Eliza.

Jake was a lifelong learner and self-taught in a variety of hobbies and interests. He was an avid fan of country Western heroes, enjoyed entertaining others with his rope tricks at local fairs, and was a talented yodeler and musician. He was a dedicated jogger into his 80s and many will fondly recall seeing him jogging in all weather in South Hammond, waving and smiling at every person that passed. He excelled in fencing, knife throwing, and other martial arts. He was also an avid reader of philosophy, history, natural sciences, and Sherlock Holmes mysteries and enjoyed writing poetry.

Jake is survived by his siblings, Robert (Dianne) LaPiene, Carolyn Geigner, Kathleen (David) Herbert, Clifford (Nancy) LaPiene, Christine (Mike) Pesce and sisters-in-law Arlene LaPiene and Laura LaPiene; his nieces and nephews, Tracy (Diana) LaPiene, Tammi (George) Avery, Troy (Kristi) LaPiene, George (Chris) Geigner Jr., Carl Geigner, Christina Geigner, Robin LaPiene, Joshua (Haley) LaPiene, Kelly Herbert, Joe Herbert, Michelle Seifkert, John (Danielle) Herbert, Jaclyn (Joe) Cerna, Stacey (David) Fox, Angela Kurz, Jennifer Rivera, Ken (Billi Jo) LaPiene, Bill (Beverly) LaPiene, Brian (Jonelle) LaPiene, Kevin (Sierra) LaPiene, Kimberly LaPiene, Beth (Sarah) LaPiene, and Denise (Tom) Norstrom II; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; his two cats, Sophia and Zorro; and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Florence LaPiene; his brothers, Norman and Dennis LaPiene; his sister, Leona LaPiene; his brother-in-law, George Geigner Jr.; his niece, Kristine Herbert; and his beloved nephew, Dennis Michael LaPiene, with whom he enjoyed many games of pool and basketball.

He will be remembered for his love and devotion to family, his gentle nature, and the joy he brought to others through his many interests. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jake was passionate about nature and had a deep fondness for all creatures big and small. In lieu of flowers or donations, the next time you see a spider, ant or tiny insect in your home, catch them and place them safely outside or simply look the other way and let them find a little corner of your home to stay.