JOHN S. LAPPO

Eagle River resident John Stanley Lappo Sr. 83, died of Parkinson's disease at his home on Nov. 15, 2003.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Eagle River VFW Post 9785 on Eagle River Road Saturday at 4 p.m. Fr. Leo Walsh will officiate. A graveside service will take place at Fort Richardson National Cemetery at a later date.

Mr. Lappo was born Jan. 8, 1920, in Muskegon, Mich. He was a high school graduate; he attended college for two years and flight school for B-47 and B-52.

Mr. Lappo was a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force.

He became a resident of Alaska July 8, 1968.

Mr. Lappo served in the United States Air Force from 1942 to 1972.

From 1972 to 1982 he worked for the state of Alaska as regional administrator for the State Health Department.

From 1982 to 1990 he was self-employed with his own trucking business, Arctic Fox Trucking.

Mr. Lappo was a member of the Catholic Church, VFW, the American Legion, and Teamster's Local 959.

He received the VFW Post 9785 Community Service award and many military awards.

His interests included his family, flying, carpentry, fishing and hunting.

His family wrote, "Mr. Lappo made headlines in August 1959 when he flew a B-47 bomber under the Macinaw Bridge in Michigan. We never saw Dad do anything that he did not do well. He was always there for his friends and family. He was also a very loving and active grandpa to his four grandchildren. He will be dearly missed."

Mr. Lappo was preceded in death by his infant son Theodore Mitchell Lappo; his parents John and Zophia Lappo; brothers Leo, Edward, Mitchell and Theodore.

He is survived by his wife O. Kay Lappo; daughters and sons-in-law Helena and Paul Chalifour, Suzette and Chris Mizelle; sons John Lappo Jr., Leo and wife RaeAnn Lappo and Michael Lappo; grandchildren Aimie Chalifour, Brian Chalifour, Tiffany Lappo and Mitchell Lappo; and sisters Kay Rapp and Anna Japenga.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.