Nicholas LaPenta

LaPENTA, Nicholas Nicholas Anthony LaPenta of Manchester, died Saturday (September 15, 2007), at the age of 84 surrounded by his loving wife, Sylvia, and family. Nick was born on May 8, 1923, in Hartford to the late Egidio and Enrica Galli LaPenta, originally of Corleto Pentecara, Potenza, Italy. Nick grew up in the South End and graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1941. He served as a bombardier with the 15th Air Force in World War II and flew 50 missions over Europe in a B-24. He served again in the Korean War and was stationed with the 2nd Armored Cavalry in Germany. In 1949 he was a member of the first class to graduate from Hillyer College, now the University of Hartford. A resident of Manchester since 1950, Nick was an active member of North United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees, ushered and taught Sunday School. He worked as an insurance agent with John Hancock Life Insurance Co. from 1952 until 1984, and was very involved in labor union activities. In 1969 Nick co-founded Manchester State Bank, now Webster Bank, together with the late John Rohan. From 1984 to 2001 he ran LaPenta Real Estate Agency with his wife Sylvia. He retired in 2001 at 78. He was a charter member of the Manchester Chapter of UNICO and was active in Post 102 of the American Legion, the Army Navy Club, the VFW, Memorial Lodge No. 38 of the Knights of Pythias and the Manchester Country Club. He also volunteered for several years at the MAC shelter for the homeless. His many passions included dancing, golf, bocce and playing cards with friends. At the age of 81, Nick began a one-man crusade against the Iraq War, protesting every Saturday morning in downtown Manchester until his final illness. And each spring he devoted his time to selling poppies to aid the veterans. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia Wescott LaPenta, formerly of Hartford, his daughter Arlene S. LaPenta of Manchester, his son Andrew N. LaPenta of East Hartford, his son James W. LaPenta of Rossville, GA., his brother Hugo R. LaPenta and his wife Gloria of Wethersfield, his brother-in-law Mynot Moule of Windsor Locks, his granddaughters Bethany L. Tougas and her husband Andrew of Manchester, Melanie L. Hoben and her husband Kurt of Manchester, Mary Elizabeth LaPenta of East Hartford, and his daughter-in-law Barbara Ainsworth of East Hartford. He was predeceased by his sister Rosetta L. Rezendes, his brother Lawrence A. LaPenta, his nephew Nicholas J. LaPenta, and his sister-in-law Hazel M. Moule. A devoted husband, father and friend to many, he was loyal and helpful to all who knew him. He instilled lasting values of faith, family, friendship and the sheer joy of living. There will be calling hours at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester on Wednesday, September 19, from 4 to 7pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 20, at 10am at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street, Manchester. Burial with military honors will follow in Buckland Cemetery, Manchester. The family would like to thank the VNA Hospice, especially Helen, Barbara and Maria, for the loving and exceptional care they gave to Nick and his family. Donations may be made in Nick's name to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., 103 Iron Ore Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or to the Memorial Fund of North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street, Manchester, CT 06042.