Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1952
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Lapenas Obituary
ORANGE, MA - Donald John Lapenas, 73, of Orange, MA, passed away on September 10, 2025.
He was born on February 4, 1952, in Athol, MA, to the late John and Leona (Rand) Lapenas.
In his adult life, Donald proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he received an honorable discharge.
To his friends he was simply "Don"-a man who found joy in the little things. Whether he was casting a fishing line, metal detecting for hidden treasures, picking blueberries on a summer day, or scratching off a lottery ticket with a grin (thinking Gram didn't notice-though she always did), Don lived life with a quiet appreciation for simple pleasures. An outdoorsman at heart, he loved nature and the peace it brought him.
Family was always at the center of Don's life. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Leona Lapenas, his wife Linda Lapenas, his brother-in-law Ron Rowe, his granddaughter Ellie Lapenas, and many beloved family members and friends who surely welcomed him home.
He leaves behind his loving sisters, Judy Rowe of Orange, MA, and Debbie and her husband Steve Rowe of Orange, MA; his daughter Heather and her husband Matt Watling of Westfield, MA, along with their children; and his son John Paul and his wife Sara of Waterboro, ME. Don is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Don's memory will live on through the love of his family and the many ways he touched the lives of those around him. There are countless others who were part of his journey, each of whom either left an imprint on Don's life or carry the imprint of his on theirs.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, MA, immediately followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, remembered for his humor, his warmth, and the quiet strength with which he lived his days while living the simplest of lives.
Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Lapenas
Sponsored by Witty's Funeral Home.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Donald Lapenas's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Lapenas
People and places connected with Donald
Recent Obituaries
How to support Donald's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Donald Lapenas'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
