James S. Lapcevic, 81, was born October 8, 1938, in McKeesport.
He was the oldest brother of three children born to Samuel “Sam” Lapcevic and Kathryn “Katie” Lapcevic.
No stranger to struggle and a sense of service, he joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and that cemented his curiosity of the world and all things in the Great Creator’s universe.
After being accepted to Officer Candidate School he found out he was also accepted to college and left the Marines to pursue a degree in chemical engineering from Duquesne University. After graduating he worked as a chemical engineer for a few years before his calling pulled him towards what would be his life’s work and into medical school at Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine. It was not the easiest way to start medical school in 1969 with three small children and two more quickly on the way, but a calling is a calling and he always found a way. In true “one of a kind” fashion his graduating class of 1973 was the first.
His pursuit of truth, thirst for knowledge and questioning spirit soon led him to an additional seven other Ph.D.’s along his lifetime. While in private practice by day, his nights led him to the University of Pittsburgh Law School, where he graduated with his Juris Doctorate in Law.
Still medicine held his curiosity more so he continued his pursuits gathering a loyal following of friends and patients wherever he went. After successful practices in Florida, Arizona and Nevada his final practice was here in Indiana at Harmony Medical Center, where he was closer to family and blessed Western Pennsylvania with his talents and his family with his proximity.
He retired from private practice in 2014 and soon after lost his beloved wife, Helen. As his health declined, he used to joke, “Getting old isn’t for sissies” and with his usual stoicism soldiered along until at long last he was called home peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 12, 2020.
We can only imagine the joyous reunion he had with his beloved “chicken” and the stories they had to catch up on. Hopefully he’ll be getting those answers to his eternal questions from his Creator. He lived his life always by serving as the example. He was a teacher as well as the student and taught us all to never stop searching for answers and truth. His was truly a full life of service.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Kuberek; his father, Samuel; his mother, Kathryn; his brother, William; and brother-in-law, Daniel, so we know he’s enjoying a grand reunion with them as well.
He will be missed and remembered by his only surviving sister, Mildred “Millie” Loy, and her children, Brian, Deanne and Brett and their families; his five children, his oldest daughter Andrea Cunningham, Escondido, Calif., and her daughter, Lauren Cunningham, and fiance, Ryan Murphy; Angela Myers, Ambridge, and her husband Keith Myers; his only son James Lapcevic, Acworth, Ga., and his wife Karen and children Alexandra Collins, Atlanta, Ga., and husband Patrick Collins and Rebecca McLeroy, Marietta, Ga., and husband Jared McLeroy; his twin daughters Janette Traffichini, Imperial, and husband Mario Traffichini and her children Stephon Conto, Karns City, and fiance Megan Syster and their children Carly, Chase and Molly and Ryan Root, Pittsburgh, and husband Doug Root; and his last daughter Paula Good, Indiana, and husband Todd Good and son Brandon Good, Los Angeles; and their faithful companion Louie, who visited him often.
As per his wishes a private service and interment will be held for family only and he will be laid to rest with his wife. As he would say “do not be sad for me as I am free. We shall see each other again. Let your wonder and observation be expressed through your just and loving actions toward all and you will constantly express adoration to him. Grow in mind, body and spirit but especially the latter. Commit yourself to the seeking of the truth – it is a reality contrary to other skeptical opinion. Enjoy life, find contentment in whatever condition you may be placed. Learn from the wisdom of the ages.” It is good and right that at the end of his journey, as he stands face to face with his Creator, he should hear the words his soul longed for: “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana, is handling arrangements.
