Nick J. LaPlaca

Nick J. LaPlaca of Queensbury, NY, died peacefully at home on June 3, 2025 after fighting and living courageously with brain cancer since last August.  He was 55.

It’s true that he died young, and was diagnosed with cancer just weeks after he won his second ever paddle board race on open water in Long Island Sound in Connecticut, the latest among many lifelong feats of physical endurance.

He fought with dignity, courage, and integrity, and sometimes with humor, against an undignified and unrelenting opponent.

It’s also true that he packed more life into his 55 years than many people do with 30 more - a statement he actually made, quite matter-of-factly, to family and friends in the latter stages of his fight.

LaPlaca, a 1987 graduate of Whitehall (NY) High School, was a proud United States Marine from 1988-92, achieving the rank of corporal. He served his country in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait during his tour of duty, which was a source of immense family pride.   Among his many commendations: Kuwait Liberation Medal, Expert Rifle Badge 2D Award and National Defense Service Medal.  He was discharged honorably.

Shortly after the Marines, he joined the United States Postal Service, first in Lake George, NY, and then in Glens Falls, NY.  He formally retired from the post office in April 2025 after 31 years of dedicated service.  Rarely did he take time off, just one example of the tireless work ethic he brought to everything he did.

LaPlaca was constantly curious and always adventurous.  He was largely self-taught, and challenged himself to master everything he attempted, from computers, to running, bicycling, and most recently, paddle boarding. He was fascinated with computers and taught himself to build his own.  He tried skydiving once, and then became a jump master, having taken numerous customers for their adventure of a lifetime and having jumped over 1100 times.  From skydiving, he turned to long distance bicycling and rode numerous century rides on a road bike and a fixed gear bike.  He found running and would at times run a marathon after work, and he entered and finished seven marathons, always trying to beat his previous times. He started his paddle boarding adventure on Lake Bomoseen, then the home of his future wife, Alix.  He handily won the only two races he entered.  Among his pets during his life: a ball python and a tarantula.

He prided himself on his homemade pizza, bread and beer, which he would heartily consume after running one of his marathons or his long-distance bike rides. He paddle boarded the entire length of Lake George without stopping – three times!  He did kettlebell workouts while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

He will be remembered for his smile and mischievous laugh. He made lasting friendships along the way, but more importantly, he will be remembered for the impact he had on so many; the silver lining in all this is that those closest to him had the opportunity to tell him that before he passed.

LaPlaca is survived by his wife, Alix Vander Els, a constant companion in all his pursuits and a dedicated caregiver during his battle; siblings Chris LaPlaca (wife Leah) of Farmington, CT; Laurie Wilbur (husband Francis) of Whitehall; Damian LaPlaca of San Juan, Puerto Rico; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Nick and Pat LaPlaca of Whitehall, New York. 

Burial will be private.  Family and friends will plan a celebration of life later this year.  

Those wishing to make donations in LaPlaca’s honor can do so in support of the Green Mountain Conservation Camp,  C/O Edward F Kehoe Camp, 636 Point of Pines Road, Castleton, VT 05735, which provides young people opportunities to engage in outdoor pursuits:  

https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/get-involved/donate/green-mountain-conservation-camp-endowment-fund

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