Gregory Francis Lapinski

Greg Lapinski always carried a flashlight in his shirt pocket. He went as far as to select his wardrobe based on the ability to carry the flashlight (as well as his phone and a little screwdriver). While this may seem inconsequential, in reality, the carrying of this flashlight was unintentionally indicative of how Greg lived his life - with an eye towards function and light.

Greg was born in Quakertown on March 12, 1958, to his parents Edward and Irene who preceded him in death in 1987 and 1983, respectively. He grew up in Quakertown in the home that his father built, the same house in which Greg and his family would eventually make their home. Greg was the third of four siblings - Edward, Dolores, and James. While in school he attended Upper Bucks County Technical School, focusing on auto body, and graduated from Quakertown Community High School in 1976. It is likely the value of a readily available flashlight and screwdriver was realized around this time. From an early age, Greg enjoyed working with his hands and joined the family excavation business full-time upon graduation. He married the love of his life, Cindy, in 1979 after a chance encounter that led to Greg changing a flat tire in Cindy's driveway. They loved each other deeply, forming a true and enviable partnership. Greg was the father of three children - Lauren, Shelley, and Adam. He was immensely proud of his kids and instilled in them the values he held most dear - a strong work ethic, the importance of helping others, and a "we'll figure it out" attitude. Greg couldn't have been happier than the summer of 2015, when Shelley married Damian and Adam married Brittany, and he had the chance to celebrate these new partnerships with family and friends. When the grandchildren started to arrive, happiness took on a whole new meaning. Becoming Pop-Pop to Nate, Cameron, Charlie, Christian, and many family dogs, was one of the brightest spots in his life. He loved taking them for backhoe rides, fixing countless toys, telling Pop-Pop jokes, and making sure the driveway was clear so they could navigate freely with their cars, scooters, and bikes when they came to visit.

While Greg could be counted on to provide actual illumination with his little flashlight, he was also a source of positivity and lightness to his friends and family. He was a man of integrity. He was fascinated with how things worked - always trying to figure out how something functioned and then sharing with child-like enthusiasm what he had discovered. He readily shared his expertise in all things hands-on - construction, excavation, home improvement, cars/trucks - with anyone who would listen and nothing would please him more than seeing someone act on what he had shared. 

In the last years of his life, Greg's desire for joy and light took on a new and unexpected form in a love for the Philadelphia Phillies. Schedules were rearranged to watch games, and stats were analyzed with the same enthusiasm previously reserved for backhoes, dump trucks, and bulldozers.

Greg passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at home on December 24, 2024. His family takes comfort in the fact that he was in the garage, his happy place, as he was preparing for one of the year's first snowfalls, an event he looked forward to every winter.

Per Greg's wishes, no services will be held at this time but instead a celebration of life will be held at the family home in the summer. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Greg Lapinski Memorial Award, to be given to a Quakertown High School senior who attends the Upper Bucks Technical School. It is the family's hope that this award can continue Greg's legacy by recognizing an individual who shares his enthusiasm for all things hands-on, and acts as a source of positivity and light for others. Contributions can be made online or given directly to the family. 

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. (215-536-3343)