Alan ‘Rocky’ Lapi
He was born Feb. 25, 1956, to Frank “Scottie” and Mary Shelton Lapi. From the age of three, he was known as “Rocky,” a name that seemed to find him more naturally than Alan ever did.
Rock was a gentle soul, quietly humming to the music that lived within him. He had a way of softening the sharp edges of the world, bringing calm where there was chaos. Though steady and kind, he carried a stubborn streak and, at times, held tightly to his grudges — part of the fullness of who he was.
If you asked him what he did for a living, he’d say, “I slam nails,” never speaking of the artistry in his hands. What he built was more than structure — it was beauty shaped from wood, pieces that carried his patience, his vision and something of his spirit.
Despite the weight of serious health challenges that led to the loss of both his legs, Rock’s determination never left him. With grit and quiet courage (and lots of humor!) he learned to walk again on what he called his “stilts,” meeting adversity with the same resilience that defined his life.
On Aug. 1, 1987, he married Mollie Pierce, walking up the aisle to the Eagles song “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” True to those words, and after 38 years of marriage, Mollie will tell you, “He never let me down.” Together they built a life full of love, laughter and memories, raising their three sons — Garret Daniel, Colin James (Falicia) and Cole Anthony. That love deepened even further with the arrival of his grandson, Matéo Alan.
He leaves behind the family who knew his strength and tenderness best: his beloved wife; his sons; daughter-in-law; his grandson; his mother-in-law, Rita Pierce; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, James and Therese Pierce, Pamela Wyatt and Robert and Holly Pierce; and his nieces and nephews, Brandon, Josh, Cody, Maria, Anna, Paige, Michaela and Andee Mae, (the daughter he never had) along with their loved ones; and fifteen great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves behind many cousins and extended family and dear friends, all of whom carry pieces of his memory.
He was welcomed home by those who went before him, his parents; and his sister, Andrea Graml.
