Anthony L. Lape 1958-2025

He was born Aug. 10, 1958, in Youngstown, a son of the late Robert and Theresa Favia Lape.

He graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1976, where his love of music grew when he joined the drumline. After graduation, he began working at the former Linde Hydraulics, now known as LHY Powertrain, in 1977. He worked in the test department for many years, working his way up the ranks to become senior service technician with nearly 50 years of service.

Faith, family and music were at the heart of Tony’s life. For over two decades, he was a dedicated presence at the 5:30 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick Church, Youngstown, and served faithfully as a percussionist and church musician. His commitment to ministry began early, joining the church choir as a young adult and later, Simple Gifts Choir in Hubbard. He took on many roles over the years, from lector and Eucharistic minister to sacristan, and also gave generously of his time and talents to Hubbard First Presbyterian Church and choir, where his wife, Paige, is the music director. His work with Angel Tree Prison Ministry became a deeply meaningful tradition, one he upheld for many years with compassion and care. Tony also was a dedicated team member of the church’s bocce team, the Celtic Curveballs.

His passion for music and theater was unmistakable and deeply intertwined with his life — it even led him to meet his wife. He played in several local bands, including Morning Star praise band, and was the first drummer for what became Easy Street’s Uptown Little Big Band, where he also contributed to lighting design. A proud thespian, he won several awards for Best Stage Manager at the Youngstown Playhouse, where he also performed in a number of shows, with his standout role as Sonny in “Grease.” He was proud to be one of the many brothers in every Easy Street production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” He also designed and directed multiple productions of “Living Stations of the Cross” for St. Patrick’s.

Known for his vibrant personality, red leather dancing shoes and signature blue jean jacket, he lit up every room. A loving father and devoted grandfather, embracing the “big bad wolf” in the eyes of his grandkids — he was immensely proud of his family, especially being part of the Lape and Schick clans, and part of the self-proclaimed “Gorgeous Guys” with his brothers-in-law.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Paige; his daughters, Emilie (David) Brown of Hubbard, Kristen (Michael) Pastor of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Catherine (Ross) Tabaka of New Middletown; his grandchildren, Ava, Claire, Alessia, Luca and Logan; his sister, Linda (Joe) Pecchia of Boardman; his brother, Robert (Loreta) Lape of Boardman; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends will be received 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at St. Patrick Church in Youngstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday at the church, and he will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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