Jacob Lapides, telephone co. retiree
Jacob "Jack" Lapides of Lewes passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, after a long battle with dementia.
Jack was born April 3, 1945, to his parents Zina (Resnick) and Joseph Lapides in Trenton, N.J. He spent summers on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, working for his cousin at his coffee shop. Jack lived most of his life in his beloved New Jersey. He grew up in Hornerstown, graduated from Allentown High School in Upper Freehold Township in 1963, and spent most of his adult life in Livingston Township until moving to Delaware during retirement.
After studying electrical engineering at Newark College of Engineering, now known as New Jersey Institute of Technology, he landed his first job with Ma Bell, kicking off a 34-year career in telecommunications. Jack had the opportunity to work on telecommunication projects with national and international corporations, as well as travel for IEEE events around the globe. Jack served in the Army National Guard from April 21, 1970, to April 20, 1976.
An avid handyman, Jack enjoyed working with his hands on nearly any type of mechanical system but was known by friends and family for his kindness, gentleness, humor and humility. He was an exceptionally proud and devoted father.
In 1996, he met his current spouse, Kathleen Jackson, and they have been inseparable since then, marrying in New Jersey in 2010. After retiring from the telephone company, Jack spent his time looking for ways to stay busy. He enjoyed renovating his home, doing computer work for a friend's small business, and visiting with his adult children. Jack and Kathy also had time to travel and enjoy life living on the Delaware Shore for the last 10 years. They are members of Seaside Jewish Community in Rehoboth Beach.
Jack is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughter and son-in-law, Margot Lapides Gunther and Craig Gunther of Atlanta, Ga.; and his son, Kenneth Lapides of Honolulu, Hawaii. He was predeceased by his mother and father, who are buried in Miami, Fla.
Jack will be interred at Agudath Achim Cemetery in Neptune City, N.J.
Arrangements in the care of Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Funeral Chapels, Ocean Township, N.J.
One night of Shiva will be observed at the home in Lewes.
Contributions may be made in Jack's memory to AccentCare Hospice, 416 Williams St., Ste. 301, Milford, DE 19963.
