Col. Lawrence Gilbert Dapra
February 25, 2022
Formerly Highland Falls, NY
Col. (Retired) Lawrence Gilbert Dapra peacefully passed away on February 25, 2022 in Corpus Christi, Texas at the age of 82. He was the oldest of six children born to Jennie (Graziano) and Larry Dapra. Lawrence grew up in Highland Falls, New York and graduated from the United States Military Academy – West Point Class of 1963. Shortly thereafter, Lawrence married his sweetheart, Kathleen Ann Tohill, and together they had three daughters. Lawrence and Kathleen enjoyed exploring the various career assignments, including their favorites, Florida, Japan and Italy.
In addition to being a dedicated family man, Lawrence was a dedicated officer in the Air Force. During his 22 years in the USAF, he also found time to graduate with a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and complete his studies at the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. During his stellar career, he was recognized with many honors and awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal. After he retired as Director of Electronic Security Command at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas he started second, third and fourth careers with General Dynamics, Computer Sciences Corporation and Tarrant County Community College.
Affectionately known as “Popper”, Lawrence enjoyed spending time with family and cruise vacations and world travels with Kathleen, including trips to Ireland, Germany, England, Canada, Mexico, Spain, and Greece. He was always ready to jump in the car and drive across the country, enjoying the beauty of the world. He also enjoyed service to the community as a member of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ft. Worth, Texas.
Lawrence is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Suzanne (Javier) Oliva, Michelle (Greg) Atkinson and Laura (Steve) Guzman, seven grandchildren. Stephen (Alexandra), Ryan (Katarina), Christopher, Blake, Alexandra, Nicholas and Alex, one great-grandson, John Paul, three siblings, Lee (Carol), George (Elaine), Jacque Yarashefski, nieces, nephews, cousins, and Goddaughter, Catherine Dapra Zawierka, all of whom he loved and cherished. He was also blessed with many friends. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Margaret Ball and brother Salvatore. His contagious smile, love of music and whistling and cheery disposition will be missed by all. Lawrence will be joining Kathleen, his beloved wife of 58 years, inside the pearly gates of heaven.
A funeral mass will be held on April 6, 2022 at 10am at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel followed by interment at the West Point Cemetery. For those wishing to attend please meet at Hogan’s Funeral Home at 9:15AM.
Funeral arrangements by Maxwell P. Dunne, Corpus Christi, Texas and William F. Hogan’s, Highland Falls, NY.
Donations in Lawrence’s name can be made to any Alzheimer’s research organization of your choice.
Patricia (Pat) Conklin Gilbert
September 27, 1923—March 25, 2022
Formerly of Highlands Falls, NY
Patricia (Pat) Conklin Gilbert, 98, born on 27 September 1923, departed to her heavenly home on Friday, 25 March 2022.
Mom was the 8th out of 10 children born to Richard and Ada “Rysdyke” Conklin and the last surviving. Pat grew up in Highland Falls, NY. She attended school from 1st grade to 12th in the same building. She graduated from Highland Falls High school in the class of 1942. She was a member of the high school Orchestra Viola section and a cheerleader for four years. Pat loved school.
As a member of the greatest generation, she followed her four brothers, Andy, Ritchie, Alfie and Charles Conklin, already serving their country and joined the US Coast Guard (SPAR). She was on active duty until World War II ended in 1946. One of her greatest honors was when she received a letter from the Emerald Coast Honor Flight in 2008, that she was to be on the 2nd flight to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. (97 men and 3 women). What a proud day for the whole family!
During Pat’s service tour she met and married John P. Gilbert (USCG), this began her life as a military wife for the next 41 years. Johnnie and Pat were blessed with the birth of three daughters, Gloria, Debora, and Pamela. Moving many times until Johnnie’s retirement when they moved to settle in Pensacola, Florida.
Pat was a life member of Military Women Across the Nation, Unit 52 of Pensacola, Florida. A life member of Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge, PA, North West Florida Chapter. Pat was a member of Warrington Baptist Church for 40 years. And at present a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church on North New Warrington Road for the past 5 years. And a member of the STAR Sunday School class and Women on Missions group. Pat was also a member of the Joy Singers for 30 years, a nursing home ministry that visits nursing homes every Thursday morning. She never made any other appointments on Thursdays.
Mom was loving, caring and always a supporting daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmom, great-great, and a friend. She will be truly missed by all who loved and knew her. Pat leaves her love and thanks to all of you. Always there with love and help and tender caring friends. Especially to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were always close, always sharing, plus keeping in touch. Her door was always open to share and talk and every holiday and birthday was celebrated at gram’s – right kids?? And to her daughters. I love you. God bless you. Keep the good thoughts. Stay close.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, four brothers, five sisters, now former husband John P. Gilbert, and her grandson, Andy Smith.
She is survived by her ten great grandkids, Darrien, Caitlyn, Deseray, Andrea, Jasmin, Andrew, Nina, Eric, Rosalie, and Samuel; one great-great grandchild Harper; many very special nieces and nephews; members of the Gilbert family in Mobile, Alabama. Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Gloria, Debora and Pamela; and her four grandchildren Shauna, Ian, Ashley and Nevada.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The service will follow immediately after at 12:00 PM. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.