Living His Values: Allen Lapporte's z”l Lasting Gift to Future Generations
 |
Some people leave their mark through public recognition. Others leave a legacy through the values they live every day: integrity, humility, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping others. Allen Lapporte z"l was one of those individuals.
Allen was raised in a family deeply rooted in Jewish learning, communal responsibility, and philanthropy. His father, a descendant of the Vilna Gaon, modeled a lifelong dedication to the Jewish people. Born in Kovno, Lithuania, his father studied at the Slobodka Yeshiva and helped found a synagogue in his community before immigrating to the United States. His mother, born in Bialystok, Poland, devoted herself to Jewish and charitable organizations throughout her life.
"Allen learned to care for the Jewish community from his parents," recalled Doris, his wife of more than 40 years.
Those values shaped Allen from an early age. As a child he sold ice cream from a wagon in his neighborhood, demonstrating the initiative and determination that would characterize his life. Following service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned to Chicago and joined his family's business, Bar Food Products, where he became known for something more important than business success: his honesty.
"His reputation was really for honesty...in all walks of life," Doris said.
Allen's curiosity about the world was equally defining. A lifelong student of history and the arts, he built a personal library that reflected decades of learning. Even in later years, he spent hours reading and exploring new ideas. He approached people with that same curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and taking a genuine interest in their lives.
His passion for learning extended to travel. Wherever he went, Allen and Doris sought out Jewish communities, visited synagogues, and connected with local history. Receiving an aliyah while traveling became an important tradition. He was deeply committed to preserving Jewish memory and ensuring that future generations understood the lessons of history.
Together, Allen and Doris shared a deep concern for the future of the Jewish people and for those facing persecution and displacement. Doris herself came to America in 1956 after her family survived the devastation of World War II. Those experiences reinforced a belief that people fleeing danger deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Allen carried that belief throughout his life. He supported hospitals, educational institutions, and Jewish organizations, always focusing on creating opportunities for others. He was especially concerned about immigrants, refugees, and vulnerable families seeking a better future.
His commitment to HIAS was longstanding. Allen faithfully supported HIAS's work on behalf of refugees and displaced people around the world for more than 22 years. That decades-long commitment ultimately led him to include HIAS Foundation in his charitable estate plans.
Through a generous bequest to the HIAS Foundation, Allen transformed a lifetime of values into a lasting legacy. His gift strengthens the HIAS Foundation endowment, reflecting the values that unite us: compassion, justice, and a commitment to welcoming the stranger.
Allen believed in creating a better future for others. Today that belief lives on through a legacy of quiet generosity that will support HIAS's mission for generations to come.
With credit to Tehila Kantor, Hebrew Theological College.
© Pentera, Inc. Planned giving content. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer