Bruce Michael Lapina, 75, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Julie and faithful dog, Ace. He is also survived by his mother Eva Lapina; sisters Alexis Phelps, Belinda Lockner, Gisele Dougherty and Tabitha Bailey, as well as brothers Alan James, Damon Lapina, Tony James, Mark James, and Cort Lapina. Bruce was born in Danville, VA on December 16, 1949, and grew up in Jeannette, PA. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam until honorably discharged in 1971.
Upon completion of his service, he earned his bachelor's degree at East Tennessee State University. Bruce worked as a District and Regional Manager in retail clothing during his 30-year career while living in Orlando, FL. He retired in 2013 and relocated to Bradenton, FL in 2018. Over the years, Bruce enjoyed new adventures, traveling and especially cruising.
He will be remembered for his devotion to the dogs and cats with whom he shared his life. He chose St. Francis as his Patron Saint because of his deep love of animals. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
