Eugene F. Laparle

Eugene F. LaParle Portsmouth, RI ? Eugene F. LaParle died on November 15, 2006, at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Elise Kelly LaParle. Born in Rutland, VT, on February 4, 1927, he was the son of Levie E. LaParle and Adelaide Cwik LaParle. The family moved to Newport in 1940 and Mr. Laparle graduated from De LaSalle in 1944. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. LaParle began his career in the Post Office in 1943 while still a student and returned to the Post Office after his Navy discharge. He attended several business and management schools, professional education programs, and the Postal Service Institute in Washington, DC. He rose through the ranks of the Postal Service to become the 21st Postmaster of Newport in 1976. The Touro Synagogue Stamp, the America?s Cup Envelope, and the Rochambeau Post Card ?first day issues? were all introduced under Mr. LaParle?s tenure. It is believed that the Newport Post Office is the only one in the country to introduce three commemorative issues under one Postmaster. After retiring from Postal Service in 1982, he began a career in real estate with Kirby Real Estate, now Hogan and Stone, where he worked until 1998. Mr. LaParle?s community service has been varied and extensive. He served as President of the Newport Rotary, the Oakland Farm Condominium Association, St. Mary?s Holy Society, and the Idle Hour Club. He was on the Board of Director?s at the People?s Credit Union for 25 years, the Edward King House, and the Newport County YMCA. He also served as an incorporator and was on the building committee of the Newport Hospital.He was a member of the Newport Board of Realtors and was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. He was a proud member of the Newport Council of the Knights of Columbus Post #256. In past years, Mr. LaParle has also been affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, Little League of Newport, the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Heart Association Fund Drive, Chairman of the Newport School Building Drive in 1979, and was marshal in the Police Parade. At one time he owned the Clement C. Moore House and arranged the original annual reading of ?A Visit from St. Nick? by James Van Allen. Mr. LaParle was known by all as an affbale, friendly and hard working man who loved life and his family above all else. He truly cared about his community and always strived to better the lives of those around him.He was a member of St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth and St. Marys Church in Newport. In addition to his wife of 53 years, he will be sadly missed by his four sons, Eugene F. Laparle, Jr., Peter J. LaParle, and Paul M. LaParle, all of Portsmouth, RI, and Levie E. LaParle of Westerly, RI, his two daughters, Elise LaParle Garcia of Portsmouth, RI, and Theresa LaParle Watson of Stonington, CT, eight granddaughters, three grandsons, one great granddaughter, and two great grandsons. The funeral service will be held Monday, November 20, at 8:00 a.m.from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary?s Church at 9:00 a.m. His burial will follow in St. Columba?s Cemetery in Middletown. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 19, from 3:00 ? 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to St. Mary?s Building Fund, 12 William Street, Newport, RI 02840.