FELIX LAPINSKI

1923 - 2021

Felix J. Lapinski  
Passed away peacefully on November 19, 2021 at the age of 97. He was born on December 15, 1923, on a farm on the East End of Long Island, NY, the son of John and Josephine Lapinski. At 16 he graduated from Mattituck High School. He joined the US Army and was stationed in Europe and the Pacific during World War II. When Felix returned to the States he attended Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, on the GI Bill. He received a degree in Foreign Policy, and the world opened for his love of travel and a long, distinguished career with the Foreign Service.  While stationed in Africa in the 1960's Felix met Francesca Bufano. They married and made their home in Washington, DC. Their mutual love of travel had them on adventures to every continent. They loved art, music, dance, theater, and museums.  After Francesca's passing in 1990, Felix joined the Peace Corps and had the distinction of being the oldest person to ever volunteer. He spent his two years in Poland teaching English, visiting the birthplace of his parents, and looking up relatives. Felix became a marathon runner later in life, and ran in both the NYC and Boston Marathons, running until his 70's. He was a docent at the Smithsonian for decades, served as an usher at Blessed Sacrament Church, and volunteered at Zacchaeus Kitchen (now Thrive DC), where he was famous for providing bread pudding. Felix was also a long-time volunteer poll worker for DC elections, among other volunteer endeavors. Felix lived in his home on Northampton St for nearly 50 years, creating and tending gorgeous landscaping and gardens, and helping with the care of the historic Northampton St. Oak. In 2012 the local neighborhood commission named it "The Lapinski Oak," in honor of his work in preserving the 400-year-old tree. Felix leaves behind loving nieces and family, countless friends, and a bounty of close neighbors. The world has lost a true gentleman, scholar, and patriot. A Funeral Mass and interment at Arlington will take place next year; a neighborhood memorial service will be held later this month. Donations in his memory can be made to Casey Trees or Thrive DC.