In loving memory of
Gerald (Jerry) Lee Lapole

• October 11, 1943
• -
• June 28, 2022

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It is with deep sorrow and sadness, Gerald (Jerry) Lee LaPole – dedicated husband, father, grandfather, artist, and friend passed away on Tuesday June 28, 2022.  Jerry was born in Hagerstown, MD on October 11, 1943.  He was raised on a farm and after high school graduation he entered the military (US Army 7^th Cavalry Regiment), proudly serving our country during the Vietnam War (1961 – 1967).  After returning from six years of service, he entered college and received his AA in Art and Mathematics from Hagerstown Community College.

Jerry started his 30+ career in the Aerospace Industry with Fairchild Republic, then went on to work for Lockheed Martin (NASA), and lastly retiring from Boeing. While working at Lockheed Martin, Jerry met the love of his life, his wife, Peggy A. Thornton.  Jerry and Peggy married on Dec 17, 1984 and shared 38 fabulous years together.

While he enjoyed his time as an engineer, his love for art always remained. Jerry’s artwork continues to be displayed all over the country.  He has a portrait of Nancy and Ronald Reagan in the Reagan Museum in CA., at the Bush Museum in TX., and another in the First Cavalry Museum in Fort Hood, TX.  He has won numerous awards over the years for his works and recently won a “Gold Medal Award” in the National Veterans Art Show contest, being awarded first place against 3600 entries for his art pottery piece American Indian Nation #2.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children Tami Adams and Casey Isley; his stepchildren Chambliss Muffoletto and Kelley Thornton; eight grandchildren, Sofia Muffoletto, Sean, Grace and Lily Thornton, Stephen Adams, and Jordyn, Evie and Emmie Isley; his brother Ralph and sisters Karen Carter and Mary Phillips; and half-sister Patty Yost.

Jerry was a Disabled American Veteran (DAV) who lost his battle against Multiple Myeloma and Heart Disease. Our family wishes to extend a Special THANK YOU to the dedicated staff at Stuart F Myers Hospice House in Palm Coast.

Please join us for a Military Memorial Service at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, FL on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 10:00 (plan to arrive 15 minutes in advance).  A “Celebration of Life” will follow in the Club House at the Daytona Beach Ocean Towers condominiums, 2800 North Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL. from 1:00 – 3:00.