Bob Lapidus

LAPIDUS, Bob Bob Lapidus died on Friday, (May 18, 2007) at 10:20 a.m. at UCONN Medical Center, he was surrounded by his family and many close friends. Born in Turner Falls, MA. on May 15, 1929, he was the son of the late Morris Lapidus and Sarah Jacobs. He was the younger brother of his late sisters, Esther Siegel, Ruth Rose, Claire Press and late brother-in-law, Ralph Siegel. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Nihla, of 50 years. He leaves his two loving sons, Marc Lapidus of Portland and David Lapidus and wife, Fotoulla of Brookline, MA. He leaves his five beloved grandchildren who were the apple of his eye, Zachary and Kyle of Portland and Ellie, Alexander and Nicholas of Brookline, MA. Bob's family was the most important part of his life, he also leaves many adoring nieces and nephews. Bob was a very busy man, but always had time for his family and anyone in need. He was loved by all who knew him including his customers and employees; he was known as a hard, but very fair boss. Bob was known for his kindness, he always found time for those in need and was very charitable. However, Bob shied away from recognition and never took credit for his generosity. He was unassuming and would prefer to put others on a pedestal rather than take credit for any of his successes or charitable efforts. Bob was truly an old fashion businessman, an honest and caring entrepreneur who treated everyone as individuals. Bob Lapidus served in the Navy for four years. He said that he was proud of his service during the Korean War, when his duties included leadership of a seven-man landing squad. He came to Middletown in 1954 where built what began as a modest surplus clothing store based on Main Street into the retail giant Bob's Stores, Inc. In 1990, Bob sold the company and continued as CEO mentoring young business entrepreneurs. He continued his charitable work and helping those who needed it; everyone in the community knew his name, just Bob. His many awards and recognitions included: One of the first winners of National Entrepreneur of the Year, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce - Man of the Year Distinguished Citizen, Babe Ruth "Good Guy" Charter Civitan Member Corporator, Middlesex Hospital Board of Director-Middlesex Community College Corporator, Rushford Jewish War Veterans. The family would like to give special thanks to his loving caregiver, Terry Bell and to the wonderful staff of the ICU at the UCONN Medical Center. Funeral services will be held TODAY at 2 p.m. at Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue on Broad Street in Middletown. Serving as Pall Bearers: Zachary and Kyle Lapidus, Steven and Michael Schwartz, Eddie and David Siegel and Andrew and Ed Kravitz. Honorary Pall Bearers: George Brown, Robert Maron, Steven Rose, Stanley Sadinsky, Barry Siegel and Irwin Mittleman. Following the Services, burial will be at Adath Israel Cemetery on Pine St. in Middletown. Shiva will be observed at the home of the late Bob Lapidus, 515 Maple Shade Road, Middletown, from Sunday evening through Tuesday, May 22 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Michael Fassler Foundation Congregation Adath Israel,48 Old Church St., Middletown, 06457 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1004, Meriden, 06450.