Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Luis DePina
1957 - 2011
Luis DePina
1957 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1957
DIED
2011
Luis DePina Obituary
He was born in Cape Verde to John and Alinda (Resende) DePina. Before becoming the Recreation Director for the City of Norwich where he served for 25 years until his retirement in July, he was a Program Director at the Norwich YMCA. On April 29, 1989, he married his best friend, Lynn (Hesselbach) DePina. Together, they raised their family in Norwich before moving to Preston, where he turned a parcel of land into their dream home.
"Lou" was dedicated to the people of Norwich, especially the youth, working tirelessly to give all he could, treating his position more like a vocation than a job. At home, his passion for landscaping and gardening created a yard that many would compliment and admire. He was a gifted athlete, a mentor to many and friend to all. Beyond his unequalled work ethic, civic mindedness and dedication to the area youth, he was an exemplary father who adored his children; and whose children respect and love him greatly. He was a devoted loving husband to his wife Lynn. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched over the years.
Lou is survived by his wife Lynn, his mother Alinda, and his three children: David, Jason and Emily DePina; brother, Quintin DePina; sister, Maria DePina; and extended family; including nephew, Michael Hesselbach; and two nieces, Penelope and Sarah Goldstein. He was predeceased by his father, John DePina.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Lou's Life on Friday, September 23, 2011, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at The Chelsea Rose Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Norwich, 10 Laura Boulevard, Norwich, CT 06360. There are no calling hours and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please help keep Lou's memory alive by considering donating to the Luis DePina Memorial Scholarship Fund, details to be announced at a later date.
To leave an online condolence or sign the guest book, please visit www.churchandallen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Dumas
October 25, 2011
So sad to have just learned of Lou's passing. I worked for Lou at the YMCA and we spent a lot of time together back then. Always thought we'd run into each other again and catch up on our diverging life paths since I moved to the west coast 20 years ago. Lou was such a fun, caring and warm person and did so much for the community and Norwich's youth. It's heartening to know he shared his life with a wonderful wife and children. (Maria, I hope all is well with you.)
catherine, diane and kathi williams
September 30, 2011
we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to luis's family. our families are very old friends. my sister and i recall the quiet presence of luis when we would visit. he was usually outside tossing a football around. even though luis was a few years older than us, he didn't seem to mind us hanging around. we are sure the self assured personality of luis is reflected in his children. our best to all of luis's immediate and extended family.
Darrell /BEC
September 27, 2011
David,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Very sorry for the loss of your father.
September 25, 2011
The members of Adventures in Lifelong Learning wish to extend their deepest condolences to the family of Luis DiPina. He helped our organization on many occasions, and his good nature and kindness will be missed by us all.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dianne Daniels
September 24, 2011
There are no words to express my sympathy for your family - may you find peace and solace in the days ahead. Lou was a good friend and a valued co-worker - I enjoyed working with him at the City of Norwich. Blessings to you and your entire family at this sad time.
Sylvie Harris
September 24, 2011
To the Depina Family,
It breaks my heart to learn of Luis passing. Our family will always remember his service to the Norwich Rec. Department and his positive contributions. Sylvie,Bryon, & Bryon Harris and Miles & Alex Aron
Barbara Hanks
September 24, 2011
Mrs Depina, Lynn, Quintin, Maria and Family,
Sorry to hear about Louie. He was like a brother to me. All of you are part of my family. Growing up together is something I never forget. A childhood of memories that are priceless. You remain in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Lou's hard work created this Norwich Rowing Club
September 23, 2011
Natasha & Kirby Kurasz
September 23, 2011
Lynn:
Our heartfelt sympathy and kindest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. We pray that your happiest of memories will comfort you in the days ahead.
Sheree Davis-Rigatti
September 23, 2011
Always Remember:
When we loose someone we love, they become a memory,the memory becomes a treasure,which time cannot erase.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathy.
Gabriel Fonseca
September 23, 2011
My prayers are with the family. He was a great person. I will always remember him from my days at the Little League field. He is a model for all and especially all fathers. Luis helped me learn what is important in life...the community and family. He will be missed yet his legacy will last.
Michael & Melissa Gromko
September 23, 2011
Dear DePina Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lou was a terrific man who will be missed by many.
Marcia Bartha
September 22, 2011
Lynn, David, Jason, and Emily no words will ever ease the loss you are feeling right now.
In the days that come take comfort in knowing that he is still with you. And always will be. Breath in and out. And feel his hand on your backs.
Earl Brown Jr.
September 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Paul Fraser
September 22, 2011
Lynn, I am so sorry your loss. His dedication to the youth of the area will never be matched. His vision for the new Softball fields in Taftville and his encouragement in convincing us to play NFA Softball games under the lights allowed us to show off the fields. He convinced me to run a clinic in the winter so young girls could learn to play softbal the right way. I will miss not only his smile but his "sweaters" that he wore during the winter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paula Phillips
September 22, 2011
Mrs DePina, Quintin, Maria, and family,
So sorry to hear of Lou's passing. Please take comfort in your memories and know that you are all in my prayers.
Paula Phillips
Bonnie Davis
September 22, 2011
Iextend my deepest sympathy to the Depina family. I grew up with Luis,Quintin and Maria and will cherish the great fun we all had.Luis could always make us smile.In loving memory to a wonderful man.
Don Sikorski & Family
September 21, 2011
I am honored to have known Lou and his efforts in making Norwich a great place for youth sports and recreation will long be appreciated. We are very sorry for your loss.
Lori Chiangi Jakubowski
September 21, 2011
Dear DePina family,
Many warm memories of Lou being part of our neighborhood hanging out having fun just sitting around laughing or playing sports. Always a fun time. He will be missed by many.
When someone we love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.
Samuel Vicente
September 21, 2011
Lynn and family,Alinda,Quinn,Maria.It was very hard to hear the sad news.Luis was a gentleman and a great human being. He will be greatly missed.We will miss you Luis. Your brother Sam,wife Peggy,son Steven, Chris and mother-in-law Helen.God bless.
September 21, 2011
my prayers are with friend and family he will be missed . he was a great person
June Morrone
September 21, 2011
Lynn, David, Jason and Emily,
My thoughts are with you guys. I know this is a terrible loss for you.
Your family and the city of Norwich has lost an amazing man.
September 21, 2011
Dear Lynn and family, I am so sorry for your great loss. May God's love heal your sorrow, and may his peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories. With Great Sympathy. Liz and Jim bonchuk
Chris Rooke
September 21, 2011
Lynn and the DePina family,
I was very sorry to hear about Lou. He was a very special guy. Lou was my camp councilor at the YMCA camp in North Stonington and later a co-worker and good friend. Lou was always the guy who had good advice to those kids that needed it and was a role model to me and many others. He will be deeply missed. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Know that he has earned his place in heaven.
September 21, 2011
Dave, Our hearts go out to you and your family, Be strong and take care of your mother, brother and sister, i know you can do it, god bless you all.
Jay,Paula and Ashley Hlastava
maria pires
September 21, 2011
may God ease your pain in time of your loss.
Janice Thompson
September 21, 2011
Lynn and children,
My thoughts are with you at this very sad time and you have my deepest sympathy. Lou was a great man and his passing is such a huge loss to the entire community. I hope that you find comfort in happy memories and in knowing what a difference Lou made in so many people's lives.
With Sympathy
September 21, 2011
Jackie Kahles
SANDRA ECCLESTON
September 21, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
norman eccleston
September 21, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kim Spaulding
September 20, 2011
To the Depina Family,
Lu and I started grade school together and I have watched him grow into a fine man. Always thinking of his family and his community. He made a difference in many young adults lives and he will be sadly missed. I saw him as a great man, and father for his children.
Paradis Family
September 20, 2011
Our Loss, Heavens gain. Lou was a good man, you have much to be proud of. Our prayers are with his family.
Robert Phillips
September 20, 2011
To Lynn and family, So sorry to hear about Lu's passing. May God's comfort and peace be with you all during this time of honoring his life.
Jonathan Gilman
September 20, 2011
I can hear Lou say these words: I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun,of happy memoies that I leave when life is done. Lou we will miss your smiles, you made the world a better place. THANKS!
Tom (coach) Theve
September 20, 2011
Deeply felt condolences.
Dawn Chiangi
September 20, 2011
Dear Mrs Depina,Lynn,Quintin,Maria and family.I have many memories of all of us from the old neighborhood playing touch football,basketball,and baseball.Hanging out and just talking.Lou was a gentle soul with a sense of humor that always made me smile. My love and sympathy are with you now.
Andy Depta
September 20, 2011
I only knew Luis for a short period as a recent Norwich citizen, but what I admired about Luis was his dedication to the youth and his never ending persistence to do what was right for the youth and city of Norwich.
Stu and Gloria Holloway
September 20, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Annie Chambers
September 20, 2011
DePina Family: Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, son, father and brother. Lou was a great guy who touched the lives of many and made them better.
sharon robbins
September 20, 2011
To Maria and family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Brother. I know how hard that can be having loss my brother and husband at a young age. Life is precious, so remember the good moments of his life and your own. It helps to ease the pain.
My deepest sympathy,
Your 8th grade teacher,
Sharon Robbins
Ana (Pina) Gonzales
September 20, 2011
Alinda,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I have very fond memories of visiting your home and having Luis, Mary and Quin visit ours. You provided your son a solid foundation and much love to make him the man he grew up to be. You have much to be proud of. God bless you and keep you.
Irene wirhol
September 20, 2011
Lynn and family, I am so sorry for your loss, Lou will always be remembered as such a caring man. Giving of his soul and heart in everything he did. Thanks LOU for bringing us together (rose city walkers) we will never forget.
My thoughts are with you.
Irene Wirhol
Maggie Reigelsperger
September 20, 2011
Lynn,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
September 20, 2011
To Lynn and Family, I will miss Lou's smile, we played years of softball together and joined Norwich Rotary on the same day. My deepest sympathy to you and the family. Lou was a caring and compassionate spokeperson for the youth of Norwich, he will be missed. Larry Fowler Jr
September 20, 2011
Dear Lynn and Family,
I am so very sorry. It was an honor to know Lou. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Please accept my condolences.
Phyllis Cummings/Uncasville, CT
Mark O'Neill
September 19, 2011
I never met the man, but I know one of his relatives, Maria. It may have been over 30 years ago, but Maria was always nice to me, when I was the new kid. Luis, therefore, must have been nice too. God Bless him, and the family.
Bob Macek
September 19, 2011
Lynn, David, Jason and Emily,
Anybody that knew him knew how special he was. Just remember, his smiling face is only a memory away.
For now the world has lost some of its luster.
Denise Martin
September 19, 2011
Lynn and family - I was saddened to hear about the passing of Lou. I remember looking forward to all of you coming to the hair salon. You are such a wonderful family and you all were such a pleasure to visit with. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope the memories you've shared over the years will help you through this difficult time in your lives.
Kurt Albertson
September 19, 2011
To Lynn and the Depina Family. I was a friend of Lou's at UCONN for two years, 1976-1978. Michael Duffy, Jack Slee, myself and Lou had a great time together at Colt House. We were usually the only ones there on weekends. It was clear to me, even then, that Lou was destined for public service. Lou was able to combine his love of sports with his interests in public service. Even though our paths did not cross again, Lou was an important part of my life and I will never forget him.
September 19, 2011
May the Dear Lord keep him forever in his care!
RIP Luis
BILL & MARY ANN MARUZO
September 19, 2011
WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF LOU.
WE REMEMBER PASSING YOUR HOUSE IN PRESTON AND WOULD WAVE AND SEE HIM WORKING SO HARD AND TAKING CARE OF THE PROPERTY. HE HAD A GREAT HEART FOR EVERYONE.
MAY YOU HAVE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT FRIENDS SHARE YOUR LOSS.
OUR VERY DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
MARY ANN, BILL AND BILL JR. MARUZO
Pete Desaulniers
September 19, 2011
Lynn, my deepest condolences to you and your family, Lou was a very good friend and he will be missed by all, his work with the children and families will be greatly missed
Larry Berkman
September 19, 2011
Lynn, I'm so sorry. I had heard that Lou was ill but didn't realize the extent of it. Lou was my classmate at NFA. We were on the same city league basketball teams. My Dad was coach. I'll always remember Lou as a nice guy and a great husband and father. This is a loss for all of Norwich. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Stay strong. It's hard and you know I know.
Kelley and Derek LaCombe
September 19, 2011
Lynn, David, Jason, Emily and family,
With heavy hearts we send our deepest sympathy... Lou was an amazing person filled with care, compassion and drive. I had the Pleasure to work with Lou through the years as a fellow coach, parent and friend. Always with a warm smile, his soft spoken gentle demeanor and big heart, he gave relentlessly to the youth of Norwich...Thank you Lou, We have been blessed.
Find comfort in fond memories and in knowing his legacy carries on through all of you and the many lives he touched. Rest in eternal peace Lou...
Kim Carberry
September 19, 2011
We were saddened to learn of the death of one of Norwich's finest persons. May he rest in peace and our prayers go out to the Depina family. God bless you all.
Kathy, Dave, Brianna, Gabriel, Marina Britos-Swain
September 19, 2011
Lynn, David, Jason and Emily,
Please accept our family's condolences on the loss of your father, Lou. I knew him since I was a child in the Recreation programs in Norwich, when my brothers and I took swimming and gymnastics lessons at the YMCA, and then later when my children were involved with the Rec Dept. Even as neighbors now in Preston, Lou has been a positive presence in our lives. Our hearts are breaking for you during this tremendous loss, and know that we are praying for your family. God bless you,
Monik Fontaine
September 19, 2011
I am sorry for your loss :(
September 18, 2011
Lynn,our deepest condolences to you and your family. Such a loss cannot be contained in words. We will keep you all in prayer. Lou was a great man who positively impacted many lives, none as great as the wonderful family you two have created. May God wrap you tenderly in His unending peace and love. Andy & Caron Sheffield, and Drew, Zak, & Jon
Joseph Cormier
September 18, 2011
To the DePina family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Luis was a great person and he was always good for a laugh. My self and my wife Jennifer, who worked for him at rec for many years, are very sad to hear the news of his passing. God bless, Joseph & Jennifer Cormier
September 18, 2011
Lynn, and the DePina Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Lou was a great man.
Debbie (Irvin) Welch, Yantic, CT
Steve Basson
September 18, 2011
Depina Family,
I was a close high school frend of Lou. We played basketball all the time, went to the beach, etc...and managed to have fun and stay out of trouble. He was truly a great guy. It had been decades since we crossed paths, and that is my loss.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Kathy Warzecha
September 18, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Lou's passing. He was such a great person! He did so much for the City. It just doesn't seem possible. He was honorable and dedicated. We are blessed to have known him and and the City was lucky to have him. We will miss him! Kathy and Bill Warzecha
Antonio Pires
September 18, 2011
"Our deepest sympathy to the family'..." Antonio Pires (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
Cheryl Stankiewicz
September 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Raymond, Susan Dussault and Family
September 18, 2011
It is with great sadness that we receive the news of Lou's passing,Norwich has lost a tireless advocate for the children of the community.Lou's impact on the youth who supervised and or participated in Recreation activities was immeasurable.Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Depina family during this difficult time-God Bless.
September 18, 2011
Dear Lynn,
I wish I had the words to express the emotions that have been engulfing me since I was told of Lou's death today.
I am humbled..
Greg Marchenkoff.
Jeff Glenn
September 18, 2011
I knew Lou for a long time, even playing softball with him in the 80`s. Always a gentleman. He did so much in his life,it`s just so sad that it ended to soon and the way it did.But I`ll always remember Lou for all he did for so many people without complaining. I`ll always call him a friend
Caroline Gromko
September 18, 2011
Lynn, words cannot express how very sorry I am for your loss. He was a wonderful man, and a gift to all of us. Prayers to you all,
Michael Duffy
September 18, 2011
I was Lou's roommate at the University of Connecticut from 1975-1978. I'm in utter shock over his passing. I remember happy years spent with a gifted athlete who was respected and beloved. I last ran into Lou at a Hershey Track & Field meet. He talked happily about his wife, children, and the fact that he had taken up golf after an Achilles injury. It was no surprise that he was good at the game. It gave him another opportunity to do what he was best at: connect with people. My deepest sympathies to Lynn, his brother Quin, and the entire DePina family.
Laura Winters
September 18, 2011
Mr. DePina helped my kids through the different sports recreations available in the town of Norwich. Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Summer programs. He helped keep my kids off the streets. Thank you Mr. DePina. Your efforts were far reaching.
September 18, 2011
I was Lou's roommate at the University of Connecticut for three years 1975-1978. I'm in utter shock at his passing. I remember a gifted athlete who was universally respected and beloved by everyone he knew. I ran into Lou at a Hershey Track & Field meet several years back and heard about his lovely wife and children. He had taken up golf after an Achilles injury; it was no surprise to hear that he was good at the game. My deepest sympathies to his wife Lynn, his brother Quin, and the entire DePina family. Sincerely, Michael Duffy
Walking Club-Bluff Point Walk
Susan Baroni-Schaeffer
September 18, 2011
To Lynn and the Depina Family,
It was my pleasure to work with Lou over these last 11 years. His dedication to enhancing the health & well-being of the citizens of Norwich, youth and adults, through recreation was apparent whenever we spoke. I will remember that, his humor, chats while walking with him in the Walking Club and the love I would hear in his voice when he talked about his family. Know that his legacy and good works will live on in ways far beyond what you can even imagine.
Cheryl & John Egan
September 18, 2011
Dear Lynn, We are so sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Love, Cheryl and John Egan
Daniel Tamborra
September 18, 2011
Luis and I found ourselves on different sides of an issue back in the early 90,s. We were both very sure that we were right. Through it all I knew that Lou was such a great advocate for the young people of Norwich.He treated me with great dignity and respect during and after the issue was resolved. I coached for Lou and always considered him a friend.I will miss him and I pray for your family as I'm sure you know youir father and husband was always a gentleman and a wonderful man. Sincerely Daniel Tamborra .
Kristine Mika
September 18, 2011
Dear Lynn, I was so sorry to hear of Luis's passing. I remember how you spoke of him with joy and contentedness of having a wonderful marriage and family. My thoughts are with you at this time. Sincerely, Kristine
Pat Hofmann
September 18, 2011
Lou was a true model for all young people. His dedication to his family, friends, job, the city of Norwich. He as strong, loyal, trustworthy and an amazing individual.
My condolences to your family, he was so proud of all of you.
Mark Kalinowski
September 18, 2011
Rather than thinking about the loss, I elect to remember all the good he's done and see his fingerprint on all the recreation department successes and the work he's accomplished for Norwich area families, especially their children. To all his family, I'll support you in prayer.
Patterson Family
September 18, 2011
The children of Norwich have lost an excellent role model in Lu Depina. Too young, too soon............With much sorrow, our deepest condolences to the Depina family.
Tami Patterson, Ryan Parker, Troy Patterson
Tami Patterson
September 18, 2011
To the Depina family...our deepest condolences. Your husband and father was an outstanding gentleman.
Having both my sons attend and participate in the summer recreation programs, we were able to get to know Luis. He was always fair, respectful and understanding, his love for his job and family was obvious.
My children, now grown, respected and admired Lu as well. Perhaps unknowingly to Lu, he was a positive role model for both of my sons, as I can imagine he was for many of the children of Norwich.
He will be greatly missed......
cheryl camacho
September 18, 2011
"DEATH leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal."
Lou's memory will always be alive in the memories of the people he helped and mentored throughout his life.
Prayers of comfort go out to Lynn, David, Jason and Emily~
The Camacho Family
Kathy Pounch
September 17, 2011
Lynn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray that you find the strength to remember and cherish your wonderful memories without the pain of the loss.
Showing 1 - 84 of 84 results
136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT 06360
Make a Donation
in Luis DePina's name
How to support Luis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Luis DePina's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
