Derek Lee LaPlante

1996 - 2021

Derek Lee LaPlante, 25, of Southington, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 27, at his home in Tampa, Florida. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, and loyal friend to many. Derek was born in Farmington, CT on February 20, 1996. He attended elementary and middle school in Southington, where he developed life-long friendships. He enjoyed all sports, but especially excelled during his youth football days as a Buccaneer. Derek graduated from Xavier High School in Middletown, CT in 2014 where he played football and lacrosse. He went on to the University of Tampa and graduated in 2019 with a degree in Political Science. He was a proud member of the Theta Chi fraternity, where he was instrumental in recruitment and education as Sergeant of Pledge Education Process. For the past year, Derek worked for Data-Tech in Tampa Bay on the business development team, eager to excel and exceed both personal and corporate goals. Derek was known for his charm and outgoing nature, his immense love of family, and his deep loyalty to friends and fraternity. He loved the Florida sunshine and beaches, working out, a good brunch, and especially throwing a ball for his beloved pup, Sadie, who brought him tremendous comfort and peace. Derek shared a deep bond with his siblings and was a silly, fun-loving uncle to his cherished niece, Madisyn Rose. He and his brother Zach had an unspoken connection: they rarely had a plan, but were always on the same page and could finish each other's sentences. His Mom was his confidante and fiercely supportive champion; they were kindred spirits who supported one another through good times and bad. His Dad was his best friend, and career and business mentor. Derek was inspired by his Dad's film and photography profession, and they shared a love of movies, often spending long nights watching and critiquing. Derek established close-knit, unique relationships with all of his family and friends, and the void he leaves is tremendous. Derek leaves behind his mother, Susan (Lemoine) Weimann of Newington; his father and stepmother, Craig and Lydia LaPlante of Berlin; his brother, Zachary LaPlante of Southington; sister Marisa and her husband Bryan of Newington, brother Vincent and his wife Elizabeth of Manchester, paternal grandmother Angela LaPlante of Wethersfield, and niece Madisyn Rose Konopka of Meriden. He is also survived by beloved aunts and uncles: Hope Angelone, Kelly and Ed Konopka, JoAnn Smith, Gary LaPlante, Lynn and Pete Casasanta, Karen and Barry Roderman, and Kim and Frank Way. Derek is predeceased by his sister, Sarah Mitoraj, his maternal grandmother, Georgette Lemoine, and his paternal grandfather, Leo LaPlante. Derek's family is hosting a Celebration of Life at The Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT on Monday, December 13, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to Theta Chi fraternity, Epsilon Zeta chapter, to establish a foundation and annual event called "Take a Lap: Raising awareness to fight substance misuse." If you'd like to contribute, please Venmo Theta Chi Vice President of Philanthropy, Nick Mastriano, at Nick-Mastriano-1.