Denis Valentinovich Gapontsev

Denis Valentinovich Gapontsev, 52, of Moscow, passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2024. 

Denis was born on May 23, 1972, to Vera and Valentin Gapontsev in Moscow, Russia. After he graduated from high school in 1989, he went on to study physics at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and earned his Ph.D. in Fiber Optics from Imperial College of London specializing in Raman lasers.

After graduating with his degree in laser optics, he started his first job at IPGLaser in Germany, kickstarting a career in the laser industry.  He continued his work at IPG Photonics in Oxford, MA, as Vice-President of the Research and Development department. 

After leaving his job at IPG and moving back to Russia, he pursued other business interests in real estate, construction and cosmetic manufacturing.  

Denis was an avid traveler and lover of nature. He was fond of animals and supported many different shelters and humane organizations.

He is survived by his only son and his mother, Vera, of Shrewsbury, MA. His father Valentin Gapontsev predeceased him in 2021.

A private ceremony of interment of ashes will be held at the family gravesite at the Rural Cemetery, 180 Grove St., Worcester on August 10, 2024 at 11 a.m.