Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere was a World War II pilot, petroleum engineer, and businessman who became known as Cher’s stepfather and adoptive father. Before becoming part of Cher’s family story, he built his own successful career in the oil and gas industry and served his country during World War II.
In this article, we will learn about Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere’s early life, military service, oil career, family background, relationship with Cher, and the important events that shaped his life.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1923 |
| Birthplace | Irvington, New Jersey, USA |
| Date of Death | February 7, 2012 |
| Place of Death | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA |
| Age at Death | 88 years old |
| Parents | Tillie LaPiere and Albert LaPiere |
| Education | University of Missouri School of Mines, Rolla |
| Degree | Petroleum Engineering |
| Military Service | Army Air Corps during World War II |
| Military Role | B-24 bombardier |
| War Missions | 35 missions in the Western Pacific |
| Profession | Petroleum engineer, oil consultant, businessman |
| Known For | Cher’s stepfather and adoptive father |
| First Wife | Georgia Holt |
| Second Wife | Beverly Lorraine Foster LaPiere |
| Children | Cher, Georgeanne Bartylak, Verna Bullock, Diana Spahn, Deborah Avery |
| Residence | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Died | February 7, 2012 |
Gilbert Was a Pilot During World War II
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere attended the University of Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri. He studied petroleum engineering and was a member and past president of the Sigma Pi fraternity. His college education was interrupted when World War II began.
Gilbert joined the Army Air Corps and became a bombardier on B-24 aircraft in the Western Pacific. During his service, he completed 35 missions. He also survived a dangerous incident when he had to ditch his aircraft into the ocean after a bombing mission.
After the war, Gilbert returned to college and completed his degree in Petroleum Engineering. His military experience was followed by a long career in the oil and gas industry.
Gilbert LaPiere Built a Career in the Oil Industry
After graduating, Gilbert started working as an Evaluation Engineer for City Service Oil Co. in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Later, he joined Chase Bank in New York City, where he worked with oil and gas loans, mergers, and sales for major companies.
Gilbert later worked as the managing head of the Oil and Gas Department at W. E. Hutton and Co. on Wall Street. He advised clients on oil and gas stocks and public offerings. He also became a vice-president of the oil and gas division at Union Bank of California.
After working for large companies, Gilbert started his own oil and gas consulting business. He helped companies improve their finances, complete mergers, and handle business problems.
Gilbert worked in the oil business from 1947 and helped many companies and individuals in Oklahoma and other states. He later moved to Oklahoma City, where he continued his consulting work.
Gilbert LaPiere Became Cher’s Stepfather
Gilbert married actress Georgia Holt on December 8, 1962. Georgia already had two daughters, Cher and Georganne. Gilbert became their stepfather and later adopted them, giving them the LaPiere last name.
Gilbert played an important role in Cher’s childhood. He supported her education and enrolled her in a private school. Cher later spoke about Gilbert with love and shared that she cared for him deeply.
Gilbert was also involved in guiding Cher during her teenage years. He remained an important father figure in her life even after his marriage to Georgia ended.
The marriage between Gilbert and Georgia ended in divorce in 1964. However, Gilbert continued to have a connection with Cher and her family. Cher kept the LaPiere name throughout her career.
Gilbert’s Family Life After Georgia Holt
After his divorce from Georgia Holt, Gilbert married Beverly Lorraine Foster LaPiere. Their marriage lasted 34 years until Beverly’s death in 1997.
Gilbert and Beverly moved to Oklahoma City in 1966. He continued his work in the oil industry and became a member of Quail Creek Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf for many years.
The couple also enjoyed traveling and spending time at their mountain home in Linville, North Carolina. They made many friends there and spent years enjoying golf and outdoor activities.
Gilbert’s life included military service, business success, and family responsibilities. His work in the oil industry and his role as Cher’s stepfather became the most recognized parts of his life.
Gilbert LaPiere’s Later Years and Family
After Beverly LaPiere passed away in 1997, Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere continued living in Oklahoma City. He remained connected with his family and friends. He was known by many people as a kind and generous person.
Gilbert had four daughters, including Cher, Georgeanne Bartylak, Verna Bullock, and stepdaughter Diana Spahn. His daughter Deborah Avery passed away before him. His grandchildren included Stacy Starchman, Kelly Hill, Christopher Borgen, Elisha Almond, Chas Bono, and step-grandson Darren Lazarus.
Gilbert’s family remembered him as a loving person who cared for the people around him. Many people who knew him shared kind words about his character and the positive impact he had on their lives.
Gilbert LaPiere’s Relationship With Cher
Gilbert LaPiere remained an important person in Cher’s life after becoming her stepfather. He helped raise her during her younger years and gave her the LaPiere name. Cher continued using the name throughout her career in music and entertainment.
In her autobiography, Cher wrote about her love for Gilbert and shared that she cared for him deeply. Their relationship stayed meaningful even after Gilbert’s marriage to Georgia Holt ended.
Gilbert’s role in Cher’s life was different from her relationship with her biological father, John Sarkisian. Cher met her biological father when she was 11 years old, but Gilbert had already been a father figure during her childhood.
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere’s Death
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere passed away on February 7, 2012, in Oklahoma City at the age of 88. He was born on June 29, 1923, and lived a life that included military service, business success, and family achievements.
His memorial service was held at All Souls Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City on February 11, 2012. Family members and friends gathered to remember his life and honor his memory.
The people close to Gilbert remembered him as a gentleman with a kind and generous nature. His obituary described him as someone whose life touched many people.
Gilbert LaPiere’s Legacy
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere left behind a long career in the oil industry and a strong connection with his family. His work helped many companies and business owners in the oil and gas field.
His story is also remembered because of his relationship with Cher. As her stepfather and adoptive father, he became part of the early life of one of the world’s most famous singers and actresses.
From serving as a World War II pilot to building a career in business and raising a family, Gilbert experienced many important moments. His life showed dedication to his work, his family, and the people around him.
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere is remembered as a pilot, businessman, and father figure who played an important role in the lives of those who knew him.