Obituary of Lee LaPlaca

Lee LaPlaca, aged 91 years died peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, January 22, 2011. She was born named Antonina Profita on December 1, 1919 in New York City NY to her Italian immigrant parents Vincenzo Profita and Girolama Re Profita. Growing up she worked in her parents neighborhood grocery from the time she could see over the counter. She was the first in her family to ever attend college winning a full academic scholarship to Hunter College graduating with honors with degrees in Mathematics and Statistics in 1940. After graduation she entered the world of the modern working woman, changed her first name to Lee and began a career as an actuary for the Wall Street firm of Ira Haupt where she worked for several years. After leaving Wall Street she was employed as a statistician for Bellevue Hospital for several years. During the years of World War II she served the Civil Defense as an Air Raid Warden for her New York City neighborhood, and took great pride in the leadership role that included being the last one in the shelter and the military protective gear required she wear. She married Anthony F. LaPlaca Sr. of Princeton, NJ in 1949 and they were married for nearly 52 years. She and her husband resided in Princeton the rest of their lives. With her husband owned and operated a building and real estate business where she served as the accountant and administrator. Lee was an active volunteer, Den Mother and treasurer for the Boy Scouts for over 20 years. Growing up as a city girl she enjoyed her life in Princeton for its accessibility. She loved to walk and did so for both pleasure and town shopping all her life. Lee was a member of St. Paul's Church. She was an avid reader of books, newspapers and enjoyed puzzles. She was a Yankee fan and enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra. After her retirement she became a snow bird wintering in South Florida. Of all her accomplishments and activities she always said that she got her greatest satisfaction and joy in raising her children and the time spent with her family. Wife of the late Anthony F. LaPlaca Sr., mother of the late Paul A. LaPlaca and sister of the late Anthony Profita, she is survived by four sons and three daughters-in-law Joseph and Mary LaPlaca, David and Eloisa LaPlaca, Anthony Jr. and Tina LaPlaca, James LaPlaca, seven grandchildren Paul, Lauren, Anna, Lee, Andrew, Leo and Pia. The Funeral will be held 8:30 am Saturday, January 29, 2011 at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home,40 Vandeventer Ave., Princeton. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 am at St. Paul's Church, 214 Nassau St., Princeton. Burial will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held 7:00 to 9:00 pm Friday, January 28, 2011 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Church, 214 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ 08542 or the Bishop's Annual Appeal.