Jacque LaPrarie, a Hall of Fame quarterback at Sachem, and a coach at Smithtown has passed away suddenly this week.
LaPrarie was 61 years old and in his life has made a lasting impact on many of Long Island's communities.
Many will remember LaPrarie from his days as a player. He graduated from Sachem in 1981 as the Team’s MVP and Offensive MVP. He was All-Long Island, All-State, and Adidas Honorable Mention All-American. As a junior, he was a starting safety on Sachem’s 1979 Suffolk County championship team that beat West Islip.
For his efforts and athletic prowess, LaPrarie was inducted into the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame on Dec. 14, 2024, just nine days before his death.
Following his college football career he became known as one of the best Flag Football players of all time. He played for the Long Island Flag Football League, winning several national championships.
The Smithtown booster club wrote about his tireless work as a coach to give back to the kids. "His departure will leave an emptiness in our community, and we send love and prayers to all of the lives he touched." LaPrarie was a physical education teacher at Tackan, and an assistant coach for the West varsity football team. The booster club also pointed out that "He has been running morning touch-football, deck hockey and wiffleball clubs before school for many years."
He is survived by his wife Cynthia and children Dana, Jenny, and Jacque Jr. Instead of flowers, family and friends are being asked to donate to Jacque Jr.’s college fund. He is a sophomore wide receiver at Stony Brook and will transfer to play at Cortland next season.