Herman Lapin
04/12/1934 - 03/30/2024
Surrounded by love, Herman Lapin, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was an adoring husband, devoted father, loving grandfather proud great-grandfather, compassionate physician, and loyal friend. We are all forever grateful for the profound impact he had on each of us.
Herman was born April 12, 1934, in Grodno, Poland, the youngest son to parents Hyman and Rheba Lapin, and sibling to older brother Jack Lapin, all of blessed memory. Fleeing Nazi persecution, the Lapin (nee Lapidus) family, sponsored by their Aunt Bertha and Uncle Ben Steinberg, sailed to America to begin a new life. And so, their American dream began. Starting with a small delicatessen, the entire family worked hard day and night to make ends meet. He and his brother Jack, as new immigrants, depended heavily on each other. Together they had a lifelong special bond as best friends, and if you were to look for one, it was likely you would find both, often in a corner laughing. He and Jack quickly assimilated to life in Houston, proud to call it home, proud to be Americans, and enjoying everything Houston had to offer.
Herman attended Rice University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and remained an Owls fan his entire life. He then went on to medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, graduating at the top of his class, followed by an internship in Philadelphia. It was there he met a cute, young student nurse, Maxine Cutler, who became his life partner. Deciding to marry after just 3 dates, their love was a strong and abiding one, serving as an example of a perfect union of love and respect, for their children and grandchildren.
Herman scored the highest score in the state of Texas on his medical boards which began a distinguished career in internal medicine spanning over 5 decades, all at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston. He was a caring and compassionate physician who was beloved by the thousands of patients he served in the Houston area, often taking care of generations within the same family. He was revered as a doctor, and this nice Jewish boy became Chief of Staff of St. Joseph's Catholic hospital where he also served as the personal physician to the nuns and clergy.
His caring extended to his community, and together, Herman and Maxine became dedicated philanthropists and volunteers, again, setting an example to all their children of the importance of giving back. A highlight was receiving the Max H. Nathan Award for their distinguished and numerous commitments to the community.
Herman was an avid golfer. He enjoyed watching all sports, often calling his son to share in the excitement and/or frustration during the games. Even during his recent illness, he perked up to watch March Madness.
Herman had several lasting and loyal friendships. He was very social and always interested in you and your story. He loved to read, loved to learn, loved the art of conversation and a dinner party, and loved to discuss world events.
Herman's greatest passion in life was his family. His face always lit up when Maxine, his wife of almost 65 years entered the room, and together they shared a love for family, community, and travel. He was an adoring and involved father to his three children, Stephen, Lisa, and Allison, and to their spouses Debbie, David, and Mark. He loved his role as "Poppy" to grandchildren Andrew (Jaclyn) Laviage, Amanda (Zach) Goldstein, Hannah (Asher) Friedman, Jake Lapin, Emma Lapin, Sarah, Rachel, and Ari Levine. He treasured his great-grandchildren, Sam and Kate Laviage, and Henry and Olivia Goldstein. Herman was also blessed with two loving sisters-in-law, Susan Lapin and Barbara-Jo Saler, as well as a large family of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, all of whom he enjoyed sharing holidays and other special occasions.
Upon graduation, Poppy provided each of his grandchildren the famous Dr. Seuss book, "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" (and a generous check)! He would read aloud the inspiring and timeless message of the children's book which encourages its readers to find the success that lies within, no matter what challenges they face. So Poppy, as another beloved Doctor, Dr. Seuss, would say:
"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!"
We will miss you deeply, but we know you are with us every step of the way!
To honor Herman's memory, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made either to the Oliver Lapin Children's Book Fair Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Congregation Beth Israel, or a charity of your choice. Herman's memory will forever be a blessing to all those whose lives he touched.
A private graveside service was held at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden followed by a memorial service at Congregation Beth Israel on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.