Middleborough Police Department announces passing of Lieutenant Angelo AJ Lapanna III

MIDDLEBOROUGH — Police Chief Joseph Perkins and the Middleborough Police Department regret to announce the passing of Lieutenant Angelo AJ Lapanna III. He was 48 years old.

Lieutenant Lapanna joined the Middleborough Police Department in July 2001 as a patrol officer.

In 2019, he was promoted to Sergeant and served in that position until his subsequent promotion to Lieutenant in August 2023.

Lieutenant Lapanna served for a 23-year career in the Army National Guard, 10 years in the Military Police, and 13 years in the Army Special Forces (Green Berets). He served two combat tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal.

In April 2021, Lieutenant Lapanna was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic head and neck cancer.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lieutenant Angelo AJ Lapanna III,” said Chief Perkins. “Lieutenant Lapanna dedicated more than 22 years to the department, serving and protecting the Middleborough community, We thank him and his family for his dedication and sacrifice.”

Lieutenant Lapanna is survived by his wife, Traci and his three children. Details about a memorial service will be provided as they become available.