Hatfield, MA – Paul J. Lapinski, Sr., 87, a resident of Hatfield since 1964, died Wednesday 9/23/2026 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton with his loving family by his side. He was born in Montague on May 17, 1939, the son of Alexander and Grace (Ropelewski) Lapinski. Paul attended local schools in Montague and was a graduate of Turners Falls High School Class of 1957.
Paul married his beloved wife, Barbara A. (Hill) Lapinski on July 14, 1962. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church in Hatfield, MA. He was a collector at the church until he became ill.
Paul enlisted in the United States Navy upon graduation from high school. He served four years in the Navy aboard the USS Forrestal and thirty six years in the Naval Reserves obtaining the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class. Paul was a field serviceman for Kollmorgen for thirty seven years until his retirement in 2007. Paul was known as the Periscope Man. Upon retirement, he started a consulting business installing periscopes in military museums around the U.S. and the world. His first installation was in Australia while George H.W. Bush was president.
He was a member of the ESGR; the Galaxy Club at Westover Air Force Base; the Historical Naval Ship Association; Baystate West BSWB; and Bullhead Base as a USSUI Associate Member.
Paul read anything military related. He enjoyed watching golf and the Tour de France. He loved traveling. He visited every one of the 50 states and 4 7 countries. He and Barb enjoyed many trips overseas. He made many life long friends. Especially Franco Castronovo of Italy and lgal Bawerman of Boca Raton, FL. He also leaves his good friend John Merz of Hatfield.
Besides his beloved wife of sixty four years, Barbara, Paul leaves a son, Paul J. Lapinski, Jr. of Greenfield, MA; two daughters, Kim M. Getchell (Bill) of La Luz, NM and Katherine A. Thelen of Haydenville, MA; four grandchildren, Jessica (Nick) Thelen, Sarah (Brandon) Thelen and Bryana (Brandon) Funk and David Getchell; three great grandchildren, Kubilay Getchell and Brooke and Ocean Funk, a sister, Adele A. Lachowicz of East Longmeadow, MA; and several nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed.
He was predeceased by his brothers Alex and Bob Lapinski and his sister Natalie Patterson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ahmad Siddiqui, Dr. Philip Amrein, and Dr. Jerry Feinland for the excellent care he received during his battle with Leukemia. We would also like to thank the first responders of South County Ambulance who came promptly when called. The many doctors and nurses who treated him with care and compassion at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) or a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held at a date and time to be announced in the spring.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
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