Lapin, Jerome Martin
Jerome Martin Lapin ‘Jerry', 92, of Glastonbury, Connecticut passed away February 24 peacefully in his sleep, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in New York City, lived in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Detroit, Boulder, and Sydney Australia. Mr. Lapin was a restaurateur, entrepreneur, producer, CEO and president of many companies.
Mr. Lapin grew up in Manhattan, before moving to Los Angeles as a teenager with his family. He proudly served his country as a 1st lieutenant in 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War, and was awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. After the war, he and his brother, Al Lapin Jr, started their first business, Coffee Time, making large urns of coffee delivered directly to business offices, industrial plants and movie studios – predating Starbucks by decades. Mr. Lapin and his brother founded the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in 1958 in Los Angeles; they expanded the chain to become a beloved institution of over 1000 restaurants throughout the US and Canada. The brothers developed their batters in their mother's home kitchen. In fact, the recipe for buckwheat pancakes came from the TV repairman who happened to be there. Mr. Lapin and his brother grew the business into International Industries. At its peak, their company owned IHOP, Orange Julius, the Copper Penny, Love's Barbecue, Wil Wright's Ice Cream Shoppes, the Original House of Pies, and a construction company. It was on the American Stock exchange by 1961.
Mr. Lapin, boldly left the company in 1966, moving to Sydney, Australia with his family to spend more time together. There he bought and ran Caprice, one of the finest gourmet restaurants in Australia for over a decade. Dignitaries including prime ministers, princesses, ambassadors, and entertainers often frequented the restaurant. While in Sydney, Mr. Lapin and his wife, Regina, formed Pageant Productions that managed Wayne Newton's first Australian National Tour, as well as Peter Cook and Dudley Moore's tour of Australia and New Zealand. It also produced the worldwide tour of “From Israel with Love” a variety musical featuring members of the Israeli Armed Forces. He also owned Patton's Shipyard located in Sydney Harbor. In 1979 Mr. Lapin returned to the USA, again to be closer to family. He ‘retired' from business three times but was strongly sought after and enticed to lead and manage many companies as CEO or president, including Topsy's International, AdMarketing Inc., Sanwa Food Group, Detroit DISH TV, Acme Coin Machine Company, and a Scholarship program.
There was never any question the most important thing in Mr. Lapin's life was his family. He had one true love, Gina, to whom he was married, devoted, and in love with for 64 years. He greatly loved his sons, Craig and Brett. He was so proud both had been successful, one becoming an MD and the other a PhD in robotic electrical engineer. Jerry and Gina spent many, many happy times on their boat in Sydney with family, as well as traveling the world, visiting museums and art galleries, and enjoying the great outdoors. In later years he loved whenever friends or family would visit. He had a brilliant mind, was honorable, inspirational and a strong leader. Right up to the end of his life, Jerry was knowledgeable and incisive regarding current events and politics. His advice was always sought after and valuable beyond price.
Jerry leaves behind his cherished and devoted wife, Gina, loving son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Anne Lapin, grandchildren Ian Lapin, Sarah Lapin Scrimgeour, her husband William Scrimgeour IV, and great grandchild, Rosemary Lee Scrimgeour. His loss is also deeply mourned by his daughter-in-law Amy Bayes Lapin, her children Ryan, Matt, Sarah, and their families. Jerry was predeceased by his most grieved-for son, Brett, his parents, Viola and Al Lapin Sr, and in-laws, Sol and Lottie Kransdorf. Jerry will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org).