×

Wilton library receives $10K bequest

WILTON – The trustees of the Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library received a second bequest from the estate of the late David LaPonsee, $10,536 that will be used toward work in the children’s room.

“The children’s rooms were one of his main interests,” Chairman Ron Brown said.

The money is a “secondary portion of the bequest,” Brown said, explaining that when a large estate is being settled, “some money is held to be sure everything is covered. Anything left is then divided according to the original proportion. This was a total surprise.”

The library’s initial gift was about $113,000.

LaPonsee died in 2015 at age 75. He grew up in Wilton, graduated from the former Wilton High School and dedicated his life to the pursuit of education. He held degrees from Dartmouth College, Wesleyan University and Harvard University.

He taught history and psychology, and served as guidance counselor at Staples High School in Westport, Conn., for more than 40 years.

LaPonsee retired to Wilton, and as long as he was physically able, volunteered at the library – where, according to grade school friends, he had spent a lot of time growing up.

He also volunteered at a library in Florida, where he spent winters.

LaPonsee was known as “Uncle David,” and he thoroughly enjoyed gatherings of family and friends. He is buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

“He was a very generous person,” Brown said, referring to his time as well as his fortune. He gave the library a large number of books.

“When he could no longer come, he still sent us books,” Brown saiid. “We still miss him.”

– JESSIE SALISBURY