Theodore J. Lapina

Theodore James “Ted” Lapina, age 79, passed away on January 20, 2019, in Albuquerque, NM.  He is survived by daughter Dawn Lynn Lundvall and her husband Christopher; son Theodore Scott Lapina and his fiancé Cathy Binger and his sons Massimo and Tazio; brother Gary Lapina and wife Donna; sister-in-law Ginny Dansby and her husband Ted; brother-in-law Albert Prichard and his wife Cheryl; brother-in-law Philip Prichard and his wife Suzette. He has 5 nieces, 3 nephews, and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Mildred Katherine “Kay” Lapina and his parents Frank and Louise Lapina. Ted was born on September 9, 1939, in Jeannette, PA.

Ted earned a Bachelor of Music (majoring in bassoon and minoring in oboe) from West Virginia University, a Master of Music in bassoon, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in bassoon from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Ted loved music: he was in the United States Army Band and Orchestra, taught at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, and was a professor at the University of Wyoming for 28 years. Ted played innumerable concerts and solo recitals, including the National Symphony Orchestra, the New York City Ballet, the Opera Society of Washington, the Rapid City Symphony, and much, much more. After retiring, Ted and his wife moved to Rio Rancho, NM for the warmer weather while still having easy access to ski areas.

Ted felt like he had not worked a day in his life, because he loved teaching and playing the bassoon. In his spare time, he ran a woodwind repair business, and he enjoyed listening to classical music, skiing, fishing, hiking, and car racing.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association of NM or to Watermelon Mountain Ranch.

An informal gathering to celebrate Ted’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on February 9th, 2019 in the Sunroom at Daniels Family Funeral Services ~ Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd., Albuquerque, NM 87109.   For detailed information on the event please email tedanddawn@yahoo.com or call (505)750-8887.

Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010