Have you ever wondered about the man behind Cher’s last name, LaPiere? Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere is not just a name in her story. He was the man who stepped in and raised Cher and her sister Georganne as if they were his own children. Gilbert’s life was full of courage, love, and hard work. From being a brave World War II pilot to becoming a successful oil businessman, his journey is truly remarkable.
In this article, we will explore the life of Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere. We’ll talk about his early years, his time as a pilot during the war, his big career moves, and how he became an important figure in Cher’s life. Let’s dive into his inspiring story.
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere Quick Bio
|
|
| Full Name |
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere |
| Birth Date |
June 29, 1923 |
| Birth Place |
Irvington, New Jersey, USA |
| Parents |
Albert J. LaPiere, Tillie Hartmann |
| Famous For |
Adoptive father of Cher |
| Profession |
WWII pilot, Oil businessman |
| Education |
University of Missouri, Petroleum Engineering |
| Spouse(s) |
Georgia Holt, Beverly Lorraine Foster |
| Children |
Cher (adopted), Georganne (adopted), Verna Bullock, Diana Spahn |
| Military Service |
Bombardier, U.S. Army Air Forces |
| Death Date |
February 7, 2012 |
| Age at Death |
88 years |
| Death Place |
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA |
| Cause of Death |
Not known |
| Grave |
Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City |
| Net Worth |
Not known |
| Hobby |
Golf |
Who Was Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere?
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere was a man who wore many hats in life. He was a World War II veteran, a petroleum engineer, and a respected oil businessman. But what makes his story even more special is his role as the adoptive father of the world-famous singer and actress Cher.
Cher’s real name is Cherilyn Sarkisian, but when Gilbert married her mother, Georgia Holt, he adopted both Cher and her sister Georganne. That’s how the girls got the last name LaPiere, which Cher has kept throughout her career. Even though Gilbert wasn’t her biological father, he treated Cher with love and care. He supported her during her teenage years, enrolled her in private school, and helped shape the person she is today.
Gilbert’s Early Life and Family
Gilbert was born on June 29, 1923, in Irvington, New Jersey. He grew up in a hardworking family with his parents, Albert J. LaPiere and Tillie Hartmann LaPiere. As a young boy, Gilbert loved sports and was very active in school. He was also part of the Boy Scouts of America, where he reached the highest rank of Eagle Scout—something that showed his leadership skills and determination even as a child.
Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, Gilbert learned the value of hard work and discipline. These values stayed with him his whole life. His early years were filled with sports activities, especially track and baseball. People around him noticed that he was not just physically strong but also mentally tough, which later helped him during his military service in World War II.
A Brave Pilot in World War II
When World War II broke out, Gilbert put his studies and personal life on hold to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and became a bombardier, flying on B-24 bombers. During his time in the war, he completed an incredible 35 missions.
One of his most heroic moments came when his aircraft was damaged during a bombing mission and had to ditch into the ocean. Imagine being young, far from home, and facing that kind of danger! But Gilbert survived and kept going, proving his strength and courage. His time in the war shaped him into a man who never gave up, no matter how tough life got.
Education and Career Beginnings
After the war, Gilbert returned home to continue his education. He attended the University of Missouri School of Mines, where he studied petroleum engineering. His time in college wasn’t just about books—he was also a proud member and past president of the Sigma Pi fraternity. This experience helped him build leadership skills that he later used in business.
Once he graduated, Gilbert began his career at City Service Oil Co. in Oklahoma. This was his first big step into the oil and gas industry, and it set the stage for the rest of his professional journey. He quickly proved that he had both the knowledge and the drive to succeed.
Success in the Oil and Finance Industry
Gilbert didn’t stop at his first job. After working with City Service Oil, he moved to New York and joined Chase Bank. There, he specialized in oil and gas loans, mergers, and company sales. This was where he truly learned the ins and outs of the oil business.
His hard work paid off, and he was offered the position of managing the Oil and Gas Department at W.E. Hutton & Co. on Wall Street. Later, he became the vice president of the Union Bank of California, where he helped companies grow and succeed. Gilbert’s name became well-known in the oil industry because of his ability to solve tough business problems and give valuable advice.
Meeting and Marrying Georgia Holt
While building his career, Gilbert’s personal life also took an exciting turn. In 1962, he married Georgia Holt, a talented singer and actress from Arkansas. Georgia was already a mother to two daughters—Cher and Georganne. When Gilbert became part of their lives, he didn’t just marry Georgia; he also took on the role of a loving stepfather.
He adopted both girls, giving them his last name, LaPiere. This gesture meant a lot to Cher, who had a difficult relationship with her biological father, John Paul Sarkisian. Gilbert’s kindness and support played a big role in Cher’s early life. He was strict when needed but always loving, making sure the girls had the guidance they needed.
Gilbert’s Bond with Cher
Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere was not just a stepfather to Cher; he was a true father figure. He treated Cher and her sister Georganne like his own children. When Cher was young, she often clashed with her biological father, so Gilbert stepped in and gave her the love and guidance she needed.
He believed in giving the girls the best education possible. Gilbert enrolled Cher in a private school, hoping she would have a bright future. He was protective of her, especially during her teenage years. For example, when a young Cher started dating older men like actor Warren Beatty, Gilbert made it clear that he was looking out for her. He wanted to keep her safe and on the right path.
Cher has always respected Gilbert for this. Even after she became a world-famous singer, she kept his last name, LaPiere, as a way of honoring him.
Divorce from Georgia Holt
Gilbert’s marriage to Georgia Holt lasted only a couple of years the first time. They married in December 1962 and divorced in 1964. However, even after the split, Gilbert stayed close to the girls. He was always there when they needed him.
Years later, in 1997, something surprising happened. Gilbert and Georgia decided to give their love another chance and remarried. It showed that they still cared for each other after so many years apart. But this second marriage also didn’t last long, and they eventually separated again.
Even with the ups and downs in his marriage, Gilbert never let it affect his bond with Cher and Georganne. He remained a steady and loving presence in their lives.
Life with Beverly Lorraine Foster
After his first divorce from Georgia, Gilbert moved forward and married Beverly Lorraine Foster. This was a long and happy marriage that lasted for 34 years. Gilbert and Beverly built a wonderful life together.
They enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and spending time at their mountain home in North Carolina. They made many friends, especially with families like the Moores, and shared some of the happiest years of their lives together.
Sadly, Beverly passed away in 1997, leaving Gilbert heartbroken. She was remembered as a warm and kind woman, and Gilbert often spoke about how much joy she brought into his life.
Gilbert’s Later Years
Even in his later years, Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere stayed active. He continued working as a consultant in the oil industry, helping many companies and small businesses succeed. People in the industry admired his knowledge and generosity.
He was also a member of the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club, where he spent time enjoying his favorite sport, golf. Friends remember him as someone who was always positive, full of stories, and ready to offer advice.
Family was always important to him. He enjoyed time with his daughters and grandchildren, even as he grew older. His daughter Verna Bullock, sadly, passed away years later due to COVID-19, which was a tragic loss for the family.
His Death and Legacy
Gilbert passed away in February 2012 in Oklahoma City at the age of 88. He was buried at Rose Hill Burial Park, where many family and friends came to honor his life.
Even after his passing, his legacy lives on through the people he loved and inspired. Cher, now one of the biggest stars in the world, continues to carry his last name as a tribute to the man who believed in her. Georganne, his other adoptive daughter, also speaks highly of the love and support he gave.
Gilbert is remembered not just for his career or war service, but for his kind heart. He was someone who gave his all to his family and to the people he helped in business.
Final Thoughts
Gilbert’s story is more than just history; it’s a reminder of what true family means. He wasn’t Cher’s biological father, yet he stepped in and gave her the guidance and support that shaped her life. Many of Cher’s fans don’t know how important Gilbert was to her success.
He was a brave soldier, a hardworking oil businessman, and above all, a loving father. His life shows us that being a parent isn’t about blood—it’s about love, care, and being there when it matters most.
Even in 2025, Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere’s name carries respect and admiration. His journey from a World War II pilot to a guiding figure in Cher’s life is a story worth remembering.
(FAQs)
Who is Cher’s real father?
Cher’s biological father was John Paul Sarkisian, but she was adopted by Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere, who raised her like his own daughter and gave her his last name.
What was Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere’s connection to Cher?
Gilbert was Cher’s adoptive father after marrying her mother, Georgia Holt, in 1962. He legally adopted Cher and her sister Georganne, and both girls took his last name.
What was the cause of Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere’s death?
Gilbert died in 2012 at the age of 88 in Oklahoma City. While the exact cause of death was never publicly confirmed, reports suggest it was due to age-related health issues and possibly a heart attack.
What profession made Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere successful?
Gilbert was a petroleum engineer and later a powerful oil and finance businessman. He worked at Chase Bank, W.E. Hutton & Co., and Union Bank of California before becoming a respected oil consultant.
What was Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere’s net worth?
While his exact net worth remains unknown, Gilbert made a significant fortune from his oil and finance career. His adoptive daughter, Cher, now has an estimated net worth of around $360 million, partly built on the strong foundation he gave her.
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