General Information

Full Name: Ernest Lapp
Date of Death: Wednesday, October 25, 2022

Rabbi (Colonel) David Lapp passed away Wednesday evening. He was 91 years old and was born in the 2nd district of Vienna, Austria. Rabbi Lapp took pride in his humble roots and never lost sight of them. He left Vienna via Trieste in March 1940, arriving in what he would forever call a “land of gold”. Rabbi Lapp believed America saved his parents and himself and his gratefulness never waned. His gratitude was in meaningful measure why he chose a military career. Rabbi Lapp became a full colonel with a storied military career, including a hardship tour in Vietnam in 1966. Colonel Lapp served actively for 25 years including as head Chaplain for the venerated 1^st Armored Division. Rabbi Colonel was also a cantor for many years, a hobby that blossomed from his early choir days in Vienna. He sang every Friday at a local synagogue there.

For the last 40 years, Rabbi Lapp resided in Fair Lawn where he built deep community ties. He was a devoted member of the Shomrei Torah synagogue, finally attending via wheelchair when he lost the ability to walk the full distance. The importance of attending services was well known in the community and numerous volunteers helped wheel him so he could achieve this goal. He volunteered in nearby senior living centers for a dozen years post retirement from his second career as Director at the Jewish Welfare Board where he helped Jewish Chaplains cross many logistical hurdles.    

Rabbi Lapp leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years Ruth, 6 children (he always included his son and daughters-in-law), 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.