Stephen John LaPerla, age 64 and New Canaan resident for over 27 years, died peacefully Thursday, August 16, 2018 from complications of diabetes after suffering a serious injury. Born in Brooklyn, NY July 3, 1954 he was the son of Nancy LaPerla Mather of Glastonbury, CT and the late Stephen J. LaPerla. He was the devoted husband of Susan Severynse LaPerla. He was born in Brooklyn on July 3, 1954, the son of Nancy LaPerla Mather and the late Stephen J. LaPerla of Glastonbury, CT. Stephen graduated with a B.S. in International Economics from Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service in 1976. He began his lengthy career in the commodities and financial services industry and over his 40-year career held positions with Drexel, Burnham Lambert, Greenwich Capital Markets, UBS, Bear Stearns and NYPPEX Private Markets. Stephen was an avid fly fisherman and accomplished fresh and saltwater fly tier. He was an expert craftsman who worked in wood, ceramics and glass. Most recently he began building exact replicas of 18th century marine sailing vessels. He was an active member of the Connecticut Marine Model Boat Society and frequent contributor to the Nautical Research Guild’s Model Ship World blog. Kind and loving, Stephen was a dedicated family man whose greatest joy was celebrating life’s special moments with the wonderful and masterfully prepared meals he would share with them and close friends. In addition to his mother and wife, Stephen is survived by his son Stephen J. LaPerla (Bridget) of New York City, his daughter, Annie LaPerla of Westport, CT, a brother Robert LaPerla (Nancy) of Glastonbury, and sister Nancy Bemis (John) of New Canaan, CT, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Wednesday August 22, 2018 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan with remembrances at 7:00 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Nautical Research Guild at https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-stephen-j-laperla