84R20134 KSM-D
By: Faircloth H.R. No. 1898
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close on March
17, 2015, with the passing of Lawrence John Del Papa Sr. of
Galveston at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 24, 1928, to Omero and Giorgina Del Papa
in Lucca, Italy, Lawrence Del Papa was the youngest of five
children; he moved with his family to Galveston in his youth and
graduated from Kirwin High School before earning a bachelor's
degree in business administration from St. Mary's University in
1950; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Del Papa had a notable career working in the
family business, Del Papa Distributing Company, which was
established by his father in 1910; prior to his retirement as chair
of the board in 2013, he encouraged expansion of the company's
territory and, today, the business is recognized as one of the most
successful and well-respected beer distributors in the country; and
WHEREAS, Active in a number of civic and professional
organizations, Mr. Del Papa served as director and vice president
of the Galveston Convention and Visitors Bureau, president of the
Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas, and director emeritus of
Texas First Bank, among others; furthermore, he was generous in his
support of Catholic charities and education, and he was a lifelong
member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Del Papa enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Jo Ann, with whom he shared 64 years; he was
the proud father of two children, Laura and Larry, and he cherished
many special moments with his grandchildren, Caylin and L. J.; in
his free time, he enjoyed hosting friends and business associates
at his ranch in the Hill Country; and
WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his faith, and his
community, Lawrence Del Papa earned the respect and admiration of
all who were privileged to know him, and he will forever be a source
of inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Lawrence John Del
Papa Sr. and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Jo Ann Del Papa; to his children, Laura Del
Papa Murray and her husband, Diaz, and Lawrence J. Del Papa Jr. and
his wife, Joan; to his grandchildren, Caylin Del Papa and Lawrence
J. Del Papa III; and to his numerous other relatives and friends;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Lawrence
Del Papa.