CHICOPEE – Richard J. “Rich” Lapa, 72, of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Friday, November 12, 2021. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on May 9, 1949, a beloved son of the late Anthony J. and Mary T. (Rszeszuta) Lapa. He was raised in the Willimansett section of Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee High School and had lived in Granby for 30 years before returning to Chicopee in 2000. He furthered his education and attended Holyoke Community College. He was employed as a Tool and Die Machinist at Blackstone Medical in Springfield. Previously, he had worked at Sterling Tool, Hoppe Tool and Wilderness Mold. He was proud to have served with the Massachusetts Army National Guard. During his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking, golfing, hunting, fishing and cheering his beloved Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed visiting the ocean and his many “toys”. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Barbara A. (St. Marie) Lapa. They were married on October 10, 1970 at Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Aldenville and were blessed with over 51 years of happiness together. He also leaves his two loving daughters, Kimberly A. Griswold and her husband, David, of Granby and Kristen M. Menard and her husband, Scott, of Somers, CT; his three cherished grandchildren who will deeply miss their “Papa”, Tyler Griswold and his partner, Terra Hondrogen, Brooke Griswold and Adam Menard; his dear sister, Deborah Longtin and her husband, Marc, of North Carolina, his two dear brothers in law, Richard St. Marie of Westerly, RI and Steven St. Marie and his wife, Mary, of Westhampton; his two dear sisters in law, Diane Kodys and her husband, Richard, of Templeton and Alanna Lunden and her husband, David, of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard R. “Red” St. Marie and Lucille L. “Lu” (Boutin) St. Marie. His relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. which will be followed by a Prayer Service at 6 p.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial will be private. The parking lot and main entrance of funeral home are located in the rear at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Masks are recommended at the funeral home for his services. His family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com