Alphonse Thomas Lapanne

Alphonse Thomas Lapanne, 95, of Portsmouth, NH passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Alphonse known as "Al" was born on October 8, 1930 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to the late Alphonse and Juliette (Drolet) Lapanne.

Al was the beloved husband to the love of his life, Stella (Parker) Lapanne of Littleton, NH. They met at the St. Johnsbury Roller Skating Rink and became inseparable. Al married Stella in 1950 and would go on to celebrate 75 years of a beautiful marriage together. Their undeniable, never ending love for each other was a true inspiration to all who had a chance to witness it.

Al graduated from St. Gabriel Catholic School in St. Johnsbury. He then went to work for Strain Motor Company for a short time until he enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 20. After Al's basic training, Al and Stella went to Wichita Falls, TX, where Al went to school for mechanics. His first assignment was Roswell, NM. Al was stationed at many bases. He would go to Loring AFB, Limestone, ME, MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL and Little Rock AFB, AR. Stella was always by his side until he was stationed in North Africa. After his return his family stationed at Pease AFB, Portsmouth, NH. It wasn't long before Al's family headed to Castle AFB, CA. Al's next assignment was Alaska for the winter months. Upon his return from Alaska his family would return to Pease. Al also had assignments in Thailand, Spain and England. From 1951 until 1971 Al served his country as an aircraft mechanic, working on jets and bombers, later working as a technical aircraft maintenance teacher. After serving 20 years, Al retired while at Pease and made Portsmouth his permanent home with Stella and their seven children.

Al would continue working. He was a man that loved to stay busy and enjoyed learning new things. You could always find him working on a project. He owned a garage in Portsmouth. He loved working on cars and especially had a passion for Volkswagens. Al was known to help anyone in need. If he saw someone having a problem on the roadside he would stop and lend a hand.

In 1972, Al was employed with the United States Postal Service working as a mail clerk at the Portsmouth Post office until he retired in 1989.

Al was a licensed ham radio operator and a member of the Port City Amateur Radio Club. He inspired Stella to get her radio license. Together they were given the Community Service Award for their many hours of volunteering at Portsmouth Events.

Al was a beekeeper for many years and he was known for his outstanding vegetable gardens and his dahlias. He loved the outdoors and was an environmentalist.

He had many hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, baseball, playing on the computer and was a New England Patriots fan. He loved listening to music and the Lawrence Welk Show. You would often hear him singing along. You could find him relaxing after work reading the newspaper.

His greatest joy was his family. He was a proud and devoted father of five sons and two daughters. He was a loyal and dedicated husband. He treasured time with his family. He had many fond memories of summers spent at his camp on Miles Pond, Vermont. He embraced the joys of being a snowbird at his winter home in Lady Lakes, FL with Stella, family and friends. Al lived a long and happy life and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Al is survived by his sons, Paul Lapanne of Rochester, NH, Daniel Lapanne (and Jeri) of Rogers, MN, Michael Lapanne (and Jan) of Independence, MO, Steven Lapanne of Portsmouth, NH and Anthony Lapanne of Portsmouth, NH. His two daughters, Sheila Kearsey (and Chuck) of Portsmouth, NH and Jolene Hall of Lewiston, ME. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. A nephew, John Lapanne of FL.

Al is predeceased by his three brothers, Lawrence Lapanne, Louis Lapanne and Paul Lapanne.

A funeral service at gravesite is being planned for a future date.