Tom Laptos

T Tom Laptos, age 76, of Danville, VA, died peacefully on June 8, 2019 at the family residence in the presence of his wife, Beverly, after several months of declining health. He was preceded in death by his father, Alex Thomas Laptos, and mother, Mary Ann Laptos (Polaski), of Jackson, MI, his sister, Linda Laptos of Hillsdale County, MI, and his brother-law, Gary Isner of Naples, FL. In addition to his beloved wife of 53 years, Beverly Laptos (Isner), other survivors include his son Kevin Laptos, Charlotte, NC; his daughter Susan and husband Douglas Dare, Bridgeton, NJ; his sister Carole Conrad and husband Dan Conrad, Louden, TN; his grandchildren Justin Laptos, Madelyn Austin (Dare) and husband Zachary Austin, Clara Dare, and Evan Dare; his great grandchild Lana Austin; his nephew Marc Wilcox and niece Kris Wilcox; his sister in-law Diana Isner; and his niece Andrea DePuye (Isner) and husband Edward DePuye and their children. Tom was born March 15, 1943 in Jackson, Michigan and was of the Catholic faith.  He graduated from St John’s Catholic High School in 1961 and the University of Michigan in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering.  He was hired directly into Goodyear’s tire manufacturing plant in Jackson as an industrial engineer. After the Jackson assignment he held job positions in Akron, Ohio, and Windsor, Vermont. In 1984 he transferred to Goodyear’s tire plant in Danville, Virginia as the Industrial Engineering Manager.  He held that position for 21 years before retiring in January, 2005 after 39 years of service.  During his working career, Tom was a member of various local community organizations.  He enjoyed hiking, biking, golf, gym work and landscaping activities.  Time together with family was always a special occasion. The Laptos family became members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1984.  Upon retirement, Tom became more engaged with church activities. He was especially honored for the times when he was asked to be a server at daily Mass and at other liturgical services. He also welcomed the opportunities of assisting with church related projects. These ministries, as well as visiting the home bound with Beverly, were served with gratitude. Tom’s Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 538 Central Blvd, Danville.  Father Jonathan Goertz will be the celebrant. Interment will follow the service at Danville Memorial Gardens, 4849 Riverside Dr, Danville. The family will receive guests at the church before the 11:00 Mass, starting at 9:30.  Upon completion of the interment a luncheon will take place at the church. All are invited to attend.  At other times, the family will receive friends at the family residence. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that memorial donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the above address. Finally, Tom and his family wish to sincerely thank the many people that have been a special part of his life during the past months. All have shown extraordinary concern and attentiveness as well as providing many messages of hope and prayers and acts of love, kindness and thoughtfulness. These many gestures have been very much appreciated. He also wants to recognize the medical staffs at SOVAH Health, Liberty Hospice, and the Duke Medical facilities for providing extraordinary care during his illness. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street, is respectfully serving the Laptos family. Online condolences may be directed to www.townesfuneralhome.com. To