Reginald Lape

Reginald Jerry John Lape, 85, of Rittman, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Autumnwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rittman after a period of declining health.

Reggie was born on Sept. 26, 1940, in Somerset, PA to Harvey J. and Naomi B. (Lepley) Lape and was a graduate of Somerset Joint High School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 – 1961 having served on the USS Newport News. On Aug. 18, 1973 he married Marilyn L. Gee and she preceded him in death on Nov. 7, 2022. Reggie had worked at the Packaging Corp. of America in Rittman and was a member of the Good News Baptist Church in Smithville. He enjoyed traveling and short trips to Amish Country and he is remembered as being a kind and gentle man.

Surviving is his daughter, Regina Watkins of Brandon, FL; stepson, Douglas and his wife Toni Smith of Rittman; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; son, Douglas Lape; stepson, Gerald Smith; son-in-law, Tom Watkins; and brothers, Charles and Neil Lape.

Reggie and Marilyn will be interred at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville and a date will be announced. There will be no calling hours.