Dr. James LaPolla Sr. 1934-2021

He was born Feb. 27, 1934, in Youngstown, the only child of Dominic and Anne LaPolla.

He was raised in Niles and attended and graduated from Niles McKinley High School as its class valedictorian in 1952. He then attended Duke University and earned a bachelor’s degree before attending Duke Medical School and earning his medical degree in 1960.

He then went on to Cleveland Children’s Hospital, now Rainbow Children’s Hospital, and completed his residency in pediatrics. While a resident, he met Genevieve Beverly Jacobson, R.N., whom he married Oct. 21, 1962.

He then served his country as a Naval medical officer, reaching the rank of Lt. Commander during the Vietnam War. He was then honorably discharged and returned to Ohio and opened his pediatric practice in Howland until he retired in 2005.

Besides his family, he dedicated his life to the betterment of children. While a member of the Warren Jaycees, in 1969, he worked with the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation in bringing the Special Olympics to Trumbull County. He served over 43 years on various educational boards, including the Trumbull County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 14 years on the Trumbull County School Board, and 25 years on the Howland Board of Education. He was on the staff of Tod Children’s Hospital, Youngstown Developmental Center, St. Joseph’s Riverside Hospital and Trumbull Memorial Hospital, where he served as chief of pediatrics several years. He was a teaching faculty member of NEOUCOM.

He dedicated his talents to the community by establishing The Rotary Club of Howland, serving as its president before being elected district Governor of Rotary District 665 in 1987. He was awarded the Paul Harris Award for his service.

He supported his sons by serving the Boy Scouts in various positions, including committee member of Troop 101, president of the Western Reserve Scout Council, and medical advisor of the East Central Region National Boy Scout Jamboree staff, which earned him The District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards.

He also enjoyed entertaining people by being active in the Trumbull New Theatre, where he served on its board, acted and directed while earning various drama awards. He enjoyed playing golf with his wife and family at Trumbull Country Club and was a member of the Buckeye Club. When he retired to Fripp Island in South Carolina, he served on the directors board (POA) and was a member of the golf association.

He is survived by his wife, Genevieve Jacobson LaPolla, R.N., of 58 years; and four children, Dr. James J. LaPolla Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Howland, Dr. Kenneth LaPolla and wife Judi of Warren, Dr. Valerie LaPolla of Lewisburg, W.Va., and Mr. Michael LaPolla and wife Jackie of Scranton, Pa. He is also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Gillian (Kyle) Barry, Genna, James Ross, Daniel, Andrew, Madeline, Jonathan, Jack and Sam LaPolla.

The family has chosen a private memorial service and in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in his honor to either Compassus Hospice of Ridgeland S.C., 10911 N. Jacob Smart Blvd. #B, Ridgeland, SC 29936, or Great Trail Council Boy Scouts, 4500 Hudson Drive, Stow, OH 44224.

(special notice)