Jacque "Jack" LaPrarie, Sr.
July 6, 1963 ~ December 23, 2024
Born in:
Bay Shore , NY
Resided in:
Smithtown, NY
On December 23, 2024, we tragically lost the foundation of The LaPrarie Family, Jacque LaPrarie Sr. His passing was blindsiding and quick. A dedicated PE Teacher at Tackan Elementary and Football Coach at Smithtown HS West, he lived to help others. To those that knew Jack, it is well-known he was always available to give a selfless helping hand. To know him was to love him, and he loved you too.
There are too many memorable moments and accomplishments to list, but most recently Jack was inducted into the Sachem Hall Of Fame, being recognized for his outstanding achievements in High School and College Football. He was proud to pass his experiences and love of the game on to his son.
In lieu of flowers, his wife Cynthia is asking that a donation be made to Jacque Jr’s college fund. He is currently as sophomore at Stony Brook University and will be transferring to Cortland to play for the Red Dragons.
Donations can be made here:https://gofund.me/1135f16d
Services
Visitation: Sunday, December 29, 2024 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home of Commack
2115 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725
Mass: Monday, December 30, 2024 11:00 am
St. Joseph RCC Kings Park
59 Church Street
KINGS PARK, NY 11754
Spent many hours on the sidelines with Jack at our sons sporting events. Low key, even-keeled type of guy. 2 words sum up Jack, Gentleman Jack. So instead of toasting with an adult beverage, have a bag of Jacks favorite, peanut M&Ms. My sincere condolences to Cynthia and Jack.
“I am deeply saddened by this loss, and my heartfelt condolences go out to the LaPrarie family. I grew up across the street from Jack, and though I was younger, I will never forget how he took the time to teach me how to throw a football. His kindness and patience meant a lot to me. To the LaPrarie family, I am so sorry for your loss.”
My heartfelt and deepest condolences and prayers to the LaPrarie family.
Rest easy
Jack was a kind and soft spoken person. Our lives are better for knowing and having him, and your family in our lives. His loss is great and can never be replaced. We will miss the backyard corn hole games and seeing you on Sundays at the Vercillo’s . May you rest in peace.
Celentano Family
I will always treasure our time and friendship playing football at Sachem HS.Coach would send us up Pre-game in the Courtyard so he could warm up his arm.I always had to tell him to take it easy, he threw so hard he would rip the skin from my hands.Rest easy my Friend.
I’m so sorry for your heartbreaking loss, Cynthia. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Rest in Peace Jack # 12 from your Center in 1980 – 81. God Grant Me The Serenity To Accept The Things I Can Not Change The Courage To Change The Things I Can And The Wisdom To Know The Difference.
I cannot imagine what you’re going through! My heart hurts for you! I’m giving you the biggest hug right now! May god guide you through this hard time.
Of the hundreds of thousands of players who have taken the field in the past 40 years, Jack was the greatest player the Long Island Flag Football League has ever seen. Bar none. But equally impressive was his sportsmanship and personality. A Mentor and the complete Gentleman. Our heartfelt condolences from the league office and all of our players to his family and loved ones.
George Higgins
Dan Fina
John Principe
Nick Miller
With our deepest sympathy, Jerry and Annette Figgiani
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Sending you all so much strength and love during this sad time.
Sending wishes of strength, love, and peace to Jack’s family during this very difficult time.
Sending our deepest sympathies. Knowing him as a teacher, a colleague, and parent was truly a privilege. He touched so many lives with his kindness and will be deeply missed.
You are a very special person.
Early in my career, I worked with you as a substitute.
The most fun classes ever because we played with the kids.
Patti
He had everything to live for, and he lived for every one.
I, and the rest of his beautiful family will love, and miss him, every day,
until we some day all meet again.
You are right. Thank you, Dad.
Sending love and condolences to all the LaPrarie’s. So very sorry.
My dear friend,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I refereed many of Jacks flag football games as well as his son’s PAL games. He was a great competitor on the field and passed that trait onto his son. More importantly he always respected his competitors and the referees. Jack was one of a kind and will me missed.
My sincere condolences on your loss. I played flag football with Jack and he always had a passion for the game and for life. He will be missed.
Deepest condolences to the entire LaPrarie family. So so sorry for your loss…
I met Jacque when he was a high profile, larger than life star quarterback at Rutgers. I was a lowly walk wide receiver and teammate . Jacque had no reason to have anything to do with me but he was always, friendly, kind and classy. He was so positive and fun to be around and was such a good guy. May God bless his family during this difficult time.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
I was a teammate of Jacque’s at Rutgers for 2 years and I remember being one of the nicest down to earth players on the team. As a WR i worked a lot with him and also got to know him outside of football. I am not at all surprised that he became a great coach and probably a better father. My prayers are with his family and I’m sure the many kids he had a positive impact on their lives.
I watched Jacque as a youngster working out solo at Waverly Ave. school field pre-Sachem, and again pre-Rutgers. His work ethic with no one around to see was “second-to-none.” He inspired me to do my best, and he never knew it. Even though he didn’t see me (his family’s newspaper deliverer) while watching from a distance, I witnessed and learned from such a workhorse who truly earned his place on and then led such esteemed athletic teams. My sincere condolences to his family—may God lift you up as Jacque lifted us up. And May God rest his soul and God bless his family.