Samuel P. LaPenta, 1942 alumnus, dies

10:09 a.m., Oct. 12, 2012--Samuel P. LaPenta, 94, formerly of Alton, N.H., died at New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton on Oct.7, 2012.

He earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at the University of Delaware in 1942.

He was born in Wilmington, Del., on July 17, 1918, and was raised in Wilmington. He later resided in Richmond, Va., Schenectady, N.Y., and Aiken, S.C. before moving to Alton, N.H., in 1994. He had previously summered in Alton for several years. 

During World War II, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army, mostly in the Pacific Theatre. He met his wife, who served in the Navy, during his time in the service.

For many years, Mr. LaPenta worked for DuPont as a chemical engineer retiring in 1980.

A family man, he enjoyed gardening, bird watching, photography and his dog, Lucky.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Josephine (Donohue) LaPenta of Tilton; six children: Dr. Michael J. LaPenta and his wife, Rev. Dorothy LaPenta, of Annapolis, Md., Mary E. Bohm and husband, Manfred, of Kingwood, Texas, Peter J. LaPenta of Alton, N.H., Dr. John J. LaPenta and his wife, Marie, of Bennington, Vt., Patricia L. Tully and husband, Joseph, of Chester Springs, Pa., and Anne L. Measell and husband, Keith, of Richmond, Va.; 16 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; a sister, Louise Matteoli of Frankford, Del.; a brother, Carmen LaPenta, of Wilmington, Del.; and nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 15, in St. Mary of The Assumption Church, Chestnut Street, Tilton, N.H. Burial will follow at New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, N.H.

Donations in Mr. LaPenta's memory may be made to New Hampshire Veterans Home, 139 Winter St., Tilton, NH 03276. 

Online condolences may be offer at the Paquette-Neun Funeral Home website.