Seymour S. Lappen, 88, of Avon, formerly of West Hartford, died Monday, (November 17, 2008) at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Harry and Bessie (Giber) Lappen. He graduated from Weaver High School in Hartford and from Boston University. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having served as a Staff Sergeant in Europe as well as North Africa. He was President of a four-generation family business, Lappen’s Hearth and Home. Established in 1892, Lappen’s was the third oldest fireplace business in the U.S. and a business well known in the community. After retirement, he was an active member of SCORE, a member of the West Hartford’s Regents and the Jewish War Veterans as well as many other civic endeavors. He was a life-long associate member of Hadassah and member of Beth El Temple for over 50 years. Additionally he was National Board Member of the Fireplace Institute as well as board member of Farmington Woods Masters Association. Commitment to family, friends and the love of life would best describe Sey. His many passions include his love and dedication to Israel, the arts, politics, golf, bowling and photography. He also enjoyed attending college classes throughout his retirement years. He leaves his wife, Phyllis (Rosenberg) Lappen; his son, Stan Lappen and his wife Renata (Jabuka) of Walnut Creek, CA; his daughter, Lauren Flitt and her husband Howard of Framingham, MA; and four grandchildren, Michelle Vogelhut and her husband Josh, Sara Lappen, Leah and Adena Flitt and two step-grandchildren, Lisa and Ann Jabuka. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 19, at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi James Rosen and Rabbi Stanley Kessler officiating. Interment will follow in Beth El Temple Cemetery, Avon. Following the interment, the family will receive relatives and friends at The Farmington Woods Club House, Avon. Shiva will continue at the family home, 31 Mallard Dr., Avon, (Farmington Woods) Wednesday evening through Sunday afternoon: 2-4 p.m., 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford 06117 or to Hadassah, c/o Faith Helene, 43 Carlyle Rd., West Hartford 06117 or to Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, 333 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford 06117. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Seymour with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com