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Stephen LaPorte Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 21, 2009.

Family-Placed Obituary

STEPHEN LaPORTE Stephen LaPorte, of West Palm Beach, passed away following a brief illness on July 15, 2009, a few months short of his 100th birthday. Born in Paterson, NJ, he moved to Florida after graduation from Manhattan College in New York City in the 1930's and began a long career in the arts as a piano and voice teacher, and as an antique collector and dealer. For many years he was very active in local opera and theater productions. Mr. LaPorte is survived by a niece and nephew, and leaves behind a great many former students in the Palm Beach area who remained in contact with him throughout his lifetime - particularly his dear friends in the Middleton family. Funeral arrangements were private. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

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Recent Activity

July 22, 2009

Joy Arenson Evans posted to the memorial.

July 22, 2009

Steven Giddens posted to the memorial.

July 21, 2009

fjohn reinke (mc1968) posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Joy Arenson Evans

July 22, 2009

The ARENSON/AFFRON family knew Stephen from his early days in FL. He was particularly close to my grandfather Abe and my grandmother Ceil Arenson who lived across Belvedere Road. She too passed away just before her 100th birthday. They were cut from the same mold in some respects and greatly enjoyed one another’s company. I took piano lessons from the “master pianist” for a brief time. But that is not why he has left an indelible impression. Stephen was a significant part of my family’s life. He shared many birthday celebrations, Sunday brunches, and momentous occasions over the decades. I so strongly recall his unique personality, his gentle manner and his great love of the arts. I always thrilled at going to his odd home back in the Florida jungle and finding Stephen hidden somewhere amidst his many pianos and eccentric collections. I only wish I had seen more of him after I left the area years ago. My family too eventually lost contact with him but never failed to remember the man. For years we exchanged Christmas cards. I kept all those he loving created. Each hand painted and as unique as he. I know my family feels great sadness in knowing Stephen is no longer out there somewhere on earth. But we see you in our mind’s eye, smiling, chatting and giving of yourself as only you could do. *My mother Marilyn Arenson would very much appreciate getting in touch with his friends and family. Please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Steven Giddens

July 22, 2009

I've known Steve LaPorte all my life, having been one of his piano students and next door neighbor. I had been searching for him at local nursing homes, since he was taken from Belvedere Road, but to no avail. He was an extraordinary artist, musician and mentor. It is because of his teaching that I was the pianist I became.
I have every Christmas card he personally painted for me each year, since I left home and went off to college. It is quite a collection!
An eccentric bachelor, who loved his privacy and isolation, Mr. LaPorte will always be remembered with the love and admiration he showed his students wherever they may be.

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

July 21, 2009

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself … any man’s death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

Mary Davis

July 21, 2009

I remember Mr. Laporte as he lived down the street from me. He was a nice person who waved at us when we were out in the street. He lived with Mr. Welch at the end of our street. I was so surprised and saddened by his passing. He taught many of my friends piano. I am sure he will be missed. May you find peace in this time of sorrow and sadness. God Bless.