Obituary of Robert "Pete" Lappin

Robert “Pete” Lappin, age 77, of Las Vegas, passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, NV.  Pete was born December 18, 1940 in Boston, MA.  He was adopted by the late Chase Roger and late Sarah (Chamberlain) Lappin. Pete graduated from Lexington Mass High School in June of 1958.  Pete graduated from University of Colorado Boulder in 1962.  He served in the Air Force from September 28, 1962 to February 3, 1969.  While serving three tours in Vietnam, Pete flew over 500 combat missions, he was a dedicated patriot and a recognized “get-it-done guy”.  For his heroic and courageous efforts as a fighter pilot and forward air controller (FAC), Captain Pete Lappin received the Silver Star, two Distinguish Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and 24 air medals.  Pete flew for Continental Airlines from 1969 to 1987, in that, he found a wonderful career.  In 1987 Pete began another exciting career as a financial consultant starting with Merrill Lynch, lasting 28 years.  With each career, Pete made many lifelong friends. On April 1, 1989, Pete married the love of his life, Rebecca.  They lived in Valencia, California before moving to Las Vegas in 2003.  Together they made many friends and good memories.  A huge part of his life was his love for his Fur Babies.  Unbeknownst to Pete, their beloved American Eskimo Iggi crossed the Rainbow bridge to greet Pete when he arrived.  Pete was an avid collector of stamps and coins. Pete is survived by his wife Rebecca, his Fur Babies Lady and Tigger, his sister-in-law Sandy and Lynn Okeson, his brother-in-law Mel Steinlicht, four nephews and one niece, (who were his God Children), his cousin Jeanne and Gerry Flynn and Jeanne’s three sons.  Pete was proud of all of his family and loved them all very much. The memorial service with burial to follow will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 9, 2018 at Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV. In lieu of flowers its Pete’s wish that a donation to Wounded Warriors, Track Chairs for Heroes, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.