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Leonard Lapi Jr., loved gardening
August 29, 2022
Leonard Lapi Jr. of Rehoboth Beach peacefully entered into eternal rest Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, with his loving family surrounding him. He was born Nov. 14, 1935, to the late Leonard Lapi Sr. and Josephine (Rocella) Lapi. Leonard was a member of Lewes Senior Activity Center, where four years ago on Valentine's Day he met his beloved fiancée, Donatienne LeRolle, with whom he resided.
Leonard graduated from Reading High School and later attended Penn State. He started his career as a welder for Orr and Sembower. He went on to work as a supervisor at Brown Trailers. The highlight of his career came when he became an on-site inspector for General Electric. He inspected their air quality and pollution control devices, a position that took him to many interesting places worldwide.
After retiring in 1996, Leonard was able to spend time fishing and crabbing. He rekindled his love of gardening, growing everything from asparagus to zucchini. He also mastered growing fig, lemon, persimmon and olive trees.
He and Donatienne enjoyed cooking, especially the crabs they trapped from their dock, participating in events at the senior center, and watching Eagles games! They spent many evenings enjoying beautiful, quiet sunsets overlooking the water.
In addition to his fiancée, Leonard is survived by children, Robin L. Lapi of Lititz, Pa., and Daniel J. Kranis of Reading, Pa. He is also survived by five granddaughters, five great-grandsons, and his sisters, Jeannette Drey and Carmella Nertavich-Dornes, both of Reading, Pa. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Porsche. Leonard was predeceased by two wives, Suzanna (Knight) Lapi and Jean (Kern) Lapi; siblings Lilly, Richard and Morris Lapi. He will be missed by all those who loved him.
Leonard was laid to rest in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Reading, Pa.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
