Lawrence W. DePaoli

Lawrence W. DePaoli, age 91, of Hammond, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Lawrence was lovingly known as “Mr. Whoopee” and “Mr. D.” He was the beloved husband of over 60 years to Constance “Connie” DePaoli. He is survived by his children, Fred (Jennifer) DePaoli and Carrie Bukowski (Née) DePaoli; and by his cherished grandchildren, Sydney, Charley, and Logan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Emil DePaoli and Esther Oswalt DePaoli, and his brother, E. Fred DePaoli.

Visitation will be held May 28th, Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 p.m. May 28th, Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Michael Brown officiating. Burial will be held June 1st, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Abraham Lincoln (20953 W. Hoff Rd. Elwood, IL)

Lawrence was a proud graduate of Hammond Tech High School, Class of 1953. Following graduation, he honorably served his country in the United States Army before beginning a 26- year career with the Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked as a switchman and engineer.

He was an avid Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan. Lawrence also worked for Nichels Engineering for three years as a jackman and mechanic on their Winston Cup (NASCAR) racing team and was a talented builder of race cars.

He had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, drag racing, snow skiing, diving, and clown diving shows at the Hammond Civic Center. He also participated in trampoline aerial trick shows at various high schools.

In 1953, Lawrence was diagnosed with spinal bulbar polio and, through the prayers and support of his friends and church community, was blessed with recovery.

**Weather permitting, the family kindly asks that anyone who owns a Harley-Davidson motorcycle ride it to the visitation in Lawrence’s honor**

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