Lapuk, Keith J

Keith Jason Lapuk, 60, of West Hartford passed away in the early morning of Thursday, March 7. He is the son of Lee Lapuk and the late Robert Lapuk, brother to his siblings Stacey Lapuk, Nadeen Gray, and Seth Lapuk. He is also survived by numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was an integral part of his family. He joined in on ski trips, camp, really everything the rest of the family did. Through him, the family was named Connecticut Family of the year, and were the inaugural inductees to the Special Olympics Shriver Society. Keith opened the door to numerous opportunities for people with disabilities where he radiated joy and wonder. The Special Olympics remained an integral part of his entire life. He participated in swimming, winning a gold and bronze medal at the 1987 International Special Olympic Games, and gold medals in downhill and giant slalom skiing in the International Winter Games at Smugglers Notch in 1981. He was also a member of the basketball, bowling, bocce, and unified sailing teams.

When Keith was 23, he earned the Mcdonald’s Spirit of Life Award for his determination and skill. At the age of 30, Keith moved into an amazing group home operated by the Jewish Association for Community Living. He loved his independence, worked at jobs at Hartford Hospital where he was known to sing his way down the corridors to work, and then at HARC. Keith made indelible impressions on too many lives to count with his humor, empathy, charm, his mischievous nature. He loved musicals, dancing and singing. Keith was welltraveled including multiple trips to California, Disney World, Arizona and cruises to the Caribbean.

Services will be held on Sunday, March 10, 1:00, Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave, West Hartford.

Burial at Beth El Temple Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon, CT immediately following services.

In memory of Keith, contributions can be made to the Jewish Association for Community Living at 34 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002, or the Connecticut Special Olympics, 2666 State Street, #1, Hamden, CT 06517.

A memorial period will be observed at the home of his mother, 30 Cascade Road, West Hartford, CT following the funeral on Sunday through Monday evening.

Weinstein Mortuary is charged with arrangements.