Deceased Panther: Leroy R. Tapia
Graduation Year: 1977
Obituary Link: https://www.shrineofremembrance.com/leroy-tapia-october-20-2021/
Date Of Birth: 06-21-1959
Date Deceased: 10-20-2021
Age at Death: 62
Cause of Death: COVID-19
Panther City: Colorado Springs
Panther State: CO
Panther Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Two Sisters, Glenda & Diana, one brother, Michael. Ex-wife, Denise, Three Children-Cynthia, Stephen & Dominick. Also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren , numerous nieces & nephews.

Leroy created R & L Concrete CO. with his father, Ralph Tapia. He was a hard worker and joined the Laborers Local Union at a young age. Circumstances came about that caused him to leave Harrison High School in his graduating year. Many, many homes and businesses around the Colorado Springs area have the concrete work that they did over many years. In High School, Leroy was a member of the Chicano Club. He also loved cars and always drove a nice one that would be detailed down to the last inch. Back in the day, he would clean his car , chrome shining from every direction , play some good music and cruise the Ave. Leroy also loved to sing and had a wonderful singing voice. ~ Denise

Leroy “Lee” Ralph Tapia, 62, passed away October 20, 2021. 

Leroy was born June 21, 1959 to Ralph and Darlene Tapia (Maestas) in Colorado Springs.  He was the first of their four children and would be a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs.  He worked hard, in his father’s footsteps, from a young age in the construction industry, eventually owning their concrete company.  He was very intelligent, funny, kind, generous, and always upbeat.  So many turned to him for advice or just a positive word.  He practiced Tae Kwan Do and was an extremely talented singer.  Leroy appreciated classic cars and enjoyed unique hairstyles that only he could pull off.  He was an extremely talented artist and loved to share his creations with friends and family. 

Leroy is survived by his three children: Cynthia (husband Adam), Stephen, and Dominick; eleven grandchildren: Seth, Andrew, Marilina, Lanea, Destani, Heaven, Bella, Jhonny, Stevie, Tristan, and Lucas; one great grandchild: Nalea; three siblings: Glenda (husband Vince), Diana (husband Jerold), and Michael; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and very dear friends who were all so important to him.  Leroy is preceded in death by his parents: Ralph and Darlene Tapia; and his sister-in-law: Vickie.

Leroy deeply loved his family; each and every person in it.  He will be lovingly remembered saying “Power to the People!”, “Right. Right.”, “You don’t even know.”, “May the rest of your days be the best of your days.”, and “Don’t even trip!” or pulling a smile with “What’s up Hamburger?” and “Your feet are too fat! You’ll never be a ninja warrior!”.  His outstanding personality will be so missed.