OXFORD - Robert P. LaPan, Sr., 82, died Saturday, July 8, 2017 in the Life Care Center of Auburn with family at his side. His wife of 47 years, Beverly A. (Catania) LaPan, died in 2007.
He leaves 7 children, James LaPan of Shelton, CT, Debra Veneziano and her husband Greg of Watertown, CT, Terri LaPan of Terryville, CT, Robert P. LaPan, Jr. and his wife Donna of Oxford, John J. LaPan and his wife Kimberly of Woonsocket, RI, Doreen D. Hadley and her fiancé Sean Casler of Northbridge, and Joseph J. LaPan and his wife Lisa of Warren, OH; 19 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces; and his close friends of over 50 years, Juanita and Everette Rushford of N. Grosvenordale, CT. He was preceded in death by his brother Raymond Coolbeth and by his sister Jenni Grey.
He was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, the son of Peter and Dora (Spencer) LaPan and was raised by his stepfather Ernest Stetson after his father died when he was a baby. He lived in Vermont, Worcester and Webster before moving to Oxford in 2007.
Mr. LaPan was involved in the food industry his whole working life. He worked as a truck driver for a food distribution company and also owned and operated several restaurants, including the Rochdale Diner and Bev’s Lunch on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. He also owned B & B Catering for 15 years at the Mass. 10 truck stop in Auburn. He retired in 2012.
He enjoyed going camping with his family, fresh water fishing and playing cards.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 14, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster, concluding with a prayer service at 6:45 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations in his name may be made to Life Care Center of Auburn Patient Activities Fund, 14 Masonic Circle, Auburn, MA 01501.