Thomas Lepito of New Britain passed away August 17th. I am writing an obituary in honor of Mr. Lepito for residents of Berlin in order to inform those who knew him as well as to honor his memory.
Mr. Lepito gave much to the community of New Britain. When I was a boy scout, he was one of its scout masters, presiding over our weekly meetings, taking us on camping trips to Camp Kemosabe, awarding us merit badges for being good citizens, etc. When I was a member of the Columbian Squires, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and chaired our meetings, taught us the values of being good Christians and citizens, and showed us how to give back to the community by participating in works of charity.
When I served on the Citizens Property Owners Association of New Britain, he was its Director and advocated on behalf of the City's homeowners for the need of a fiscally responsible government. While attending the meetings over which he presided, I noticed that whenever Mr. Lepito spoke, everyone there listened. He was highly respected by everyone who knew him.
But Mr. Lepito was not only an exemplary citizen: he was a great dad. Mr. Lepito was always involved in his children's lives, whether it was boy scouts, Columbian Squires, the PTA, the Booster Club, or a Church organization.
I grew up with two of Mr. Lepito's sons: Tommy and Johnny. They were beloved by all of their peers. Tommy was an excellent athlete, and, to my recollection, became a school teacher. Johnny possessed the rare gift of humor, putting a smile on everyone's face; the last time I spoke to Johnny, I believe he was employed by the State of Connecticut. Their popularity and success in life is irrefutable testimony to the importance of the presence of a devoted and loving father in a boy's life.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Lepito family, and to thank them for their father's participation and influence in my youth. I shall not forget him.
William Brighenti
