Lawrence W. "Larry" Duprey

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Lawrence W. (Larry) Duprey, of Holyoke, MA, sadly announces that he passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021.  He was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts to the late William L. and Eva M. (St. Lawrence) Duprey.  Larry held a Master’s Degree and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education, both from Westfield State University, Westfield, MA. 

Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and educator. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Roberta Fox Duprey; two sons, Benjamin Duprey and his wife Rebecca of Michigan; Zachary Duprey and his wife Maggie of New Hampshire; three grandchildren, Noah, Hannah, and Ella (thanks Zach), and one on the way (thanks Ben); two sisters, Carole Ackerman and her husband Robert,  Joan Avonti and her husband Michael, brother-in-law, Edward Fox and his wife Toby as well as many nieces and nephews. He adored his grandchildren who loved calling him “Pops,” throwing them into piles of leaves in the fall, splashing with them in the ocean in the summer, and pulling them around the yard in a toboggan in the winter.

Larry, Roberta and their sons spent many years enjoying their second home on Cape Cod, vacationing in Ogunquit, Maine and in Newport, Rhode Island. He found inspiration and hope when walking the National Seashore in Wellfleet on Cape Cod, the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, and the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. Some of the happiest moments of his life were captured in pictures of him engaged in these activities. It will be difficult to imagine going to these places without him. Larry could find enjoyment in just about any activity, whether it be golfing, reading, watching sports, and walking on Ogunquit beach, visiting a college football stadium or navigating Chicago traffic during a cross-country trip.

Dedicated as much to his professional career as he was to his family, Larry was a well-respected teacher, a Title I Director, and an administrator for 53 years in the Holyoke Public School System before retiring honorably in 2016. Shortly thereafter, he was asked to return as a math tutor, loving every minute of it. He enjoyed being around young people and made it a point of listening to them and noticing potential in every one of them.

Larry was patient, kind, and understanding. He served as an influential mentor to so many students and teachers throughout his career. This impact was apparent when years later former students and colleagues would stop him in passing, shake his hand, and say “thank you” for all that he did for them.

As people got to know Larry, they could not help but notice his amazingly funny and subtle sense of humor and his ability to relate to whomever he met. Larry was also involved in the Holyoke Youth Soccer League for quite a few years eventually becoming the League treasurer. He was an active member in the Holyoke Teachers Association holding the offices of Treasurer and President. He also became Treasurer and President of the Holyoke Educators Association.    

Larry was a kind, honest, gentle man, a gentleman, an all-around good person, and an everlasting educator. He will sorely and eternally be missed by family and friends alike. He touched many lives during his time on earth making it a better place. All the fun, laughs, good times, and adventures will forever be remembered.

A Funeral Ceremony will be held for Larry on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. Burial will follow in the Congregation B'nai Israel Cemetery, 476 N. King Street, Northampton. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, Holyoke, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281, or to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1105, Rockville, MD 20852.

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