James "Lip" Leonard Lapinski, 71, passed away August 5, 2022. He was born August 18, 1950 to Vita Rose{Blasio} and Felix Lapinski.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Rose Lapinski; infant brother, Leonard; brother-in-law, David Fuller; and special friend Barney Ellis.
He leaves behind brother, Joe (Marge) Lapinski; sister, Mary Ann Fuller (Paul Kodish); nephews, Joe (Holly), David, and Steve Lapinski, John (Elisha), Marc, and Sam Fuller; niece, Katie (Nick) Crutchman; nine great nieces and nephews; cousins, Angela and Lin Brown; several other cousins; many dear friends, especially Terri and Troy Austin, Edna Steele; and Nurse, Kelly Pfeiffer.
Jim graduated from North High School in 1968. He served briefly in the Army. After, he worked for the board of education and McDonalds. His dream in life was to be a Major League Umpire. Although that dream did not happen, he spent over 35 years umpiring for Hot Stove, high school, college and even Silver League games. When he wasn't physically able to umpire he helped with scheduling umpires. He was inducted into the Summit County Hall of Fame for his umpiring.
Jim was a very giving person with a huge heart of gold. The last five years he has lived at Hickory Ridge Nursing Home, where he would wheel around passing out treats to fellow patients and staff. Jim had jaw cancer surgery almost five years ago and came through it like a champ, never complaining.
He was a member of the Polish American Club. He also loved the years he was the voice of Archie the Snowman at the Chapel Hill Mall. He donated blood at the Red Cross until he wasn't physically able to.
We would like to thank the staff and administration of Hickory Ridge Nursing Home, the place he called home for the last five years, for all the care and love they provided him. A special thank you to his Nurse, caretaker, and friend Kelly Pfeiffer.
In lieu of flowers, please donate a pint of blood at the Red Cross or make contributions to the American Cancer Society.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 12pm with visitation from 10am until time of service at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.