Gary J. LaPena

Gary LaPena, 86, of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., formerly of Maywood, N.J., passed away on June 6 after a battle with cancer.
Gary was born Dec. 16, 1936, in New York City to Joseph and Katherine LaPena. He served in the Marine Corps from 1954-195. He graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelor's degree and master's degree. He served as a New Jersey state trooper and was also a self-employed business owner until his retirement in 2008.
He was a member of American Legion Post 170, Rochelle Park, N.J., for 28 years. He looked forward to golfing with his buddies. He enjoyed visiting his brother Frank in Las Vegas. He loved being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his large family.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Vincenza; his loving children Gary LaPena Jr. (Mary), Gail Reilly, Kim Visaggio (Dean) and Guy LaPena (Miguelina). His grandchildren, Gary LaPena III, Rachel Gorsky (Jared), Dean Visaggio, Valerie Visaggio, Emily Reilly, Mia Reilly and Jenna Reilly, and great-grandchildren Nathan Gorsky and Lillian Gorsky.