Patrick J. Lappin Sr.
...retired M.B.T.A. Director; 85
BILLERICA - Patrick J. Lappin Sr., age 85, a retired M.B.T.A. Director and active member of the Billerica and Tewksbury communities, died Monday evening, August 3, at the Life Care Center, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Mary T. (Donnelly) Lappin, with whom he had celebrated a 48th wedding anniversary this past February.
He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, one of three children of James and Elizabeth (Mallon) Lappin. He was raised in County Monaghan, emigrated to the United States at the age of 26, and settled in Winthrop.
He retired from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority as the Director of Safety and Training after 35 years of service to the "T," and was a member of the Carmen's Union, Boston Local 589.
He was a devout Catholic, and served as an Usher at St. Dorothy's Church in Wilmington. He was an active member of the Billerica Irish American Club where he held the comical title of "the king of corned beef," he was a member of Lowell's Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a member of the Fr. Coppen's Council Knights of Columbus, 4336, in Tewksbury.
Besides his wife, he is survived by four children, Patrick J. Lappin Jr., Mary Lappin, James Lappin and Martin J. Lappin; his sisters-in law and brother-in-law, Genevieve Donnelly, Michael and Eileen Daly; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also brother of the late James Lappin, Mary Lappin, and brother-in-law of John Donnelly.
His funeral will be held Friday, Aug. 7, at 8:45 a.m. from the Tewksbury Funeral Home. His Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday August 7, in St. Dorothy's Church, Wilmington. Burial followed at Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. Memorials to the M.S.P.C.A. at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844, will be appreciated.