HUNTINGTON: Walter Laptew, 90, of E. Main Street and formerly of 
Southampton, passed away on September 20, 2015 at Bay State Noble Hospital in Westfield. He was born in Granville, MA and was the son of the late Alex and Zophia (Skrzyniarz) Laptew.
Walter retired as a fireman from the former Strathmore Paper in Russell. After retirement he worked concession stands with his close friends Eddie and Gail West, traveling around to state and local fairs.
Walter was a WWII and Korean War Veteran, serving with the United States Navy and had served as a crewmember on board the ship Big Wheel for President Harry S. Truman.
He was a member of the Westfield American Legion Post 124 and the VFW in Russell.
He leaves his son; Walter L. Laptew, his daughters; Ella Bouchard of Holyoke, Kathleen and Cindy Laptew both of Westfield, his brother; Robert F. Laptew of Granville, his former daughter in-law; Colleen Gilbert, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he is predeceased by his son; Gary Laptew, his brothers; Michael, Stanley and Alec and his sisters; Mary Gogal and Stella Hmura.
His wishes were to have no calling hours and a private graveside service with Military Honors in Southampton Center Cemetery.
His family would like to thank all his extended family, friends and the people at River Run Café and Hamblin Court in Huntington.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project
