Matthew Robert Lappa's Obituary
Matthew Robert Lappa, age 50, passed away on June 3, 2025. Matt was born on December 3, 1974, to Robert and Betty Lappa in Cleveland, Ohio.
Matt was a loving husband, son, brother and uncle. He was a friend to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Kelly Lappa; parents, Robert and Betty Lappa; siblings, Melissa Lappa and Michelle (Tom) Gilmore; niece and nephew, Paisley and Oliver Gilmore; mother and father-in-law, Dave and Darlene Kessel; and his loved cat, Lilly Rose. Matt also leaves behind many other extended family members and friends that he loved dearly.
Matt is known to be kind, genuine and compassionate. He always brought out the best in everyone in everyone he met. Matt was an Intervention Specialist for most of his career at Summit Academy, and finished his career at Rocky River School District. He was proud to receive a Master's Degree in Special Education. He loved teaching and his students. In his free time, Matt loved to be with his wife and his family. They could be at home or out and about, but as long as they were all together, he was happy. His most wonderful experience in his life was their wedding day. He also loved spending time with his niece and nephew. Their births were one of the most life changing moments for Matt.
Matt also had many hobbies. Those who knew him best considered him a geek to the core because of his profound love for reading, the weather, nature, dragons, and many more things. He always looked forward to a game night with his “Pals.”
To know Matt is to know that he always puts others first and himself last. He will be missed by everyone.
Visitation is Friday, June 13, 2025, from 4-8:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070. Funeral Mass is Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 5891 Ridge Road, Parma, Ohio 44129. Interment to immediately follow the Funeral Mass at Sunset Memorial Park, 6265 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070.
Family or friends can send flowers to his services or send donations to Kelly to get a memorial bench at Matthew’s cemetery site.
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