MIDDLEBORO -- The Police Department is mourning the passing of Lt. Angelo AJ Lapanna III after a two-year battle with cancer.

The 48-year-old military veteran and father of three "dedicated more than 22 years to the department, serving and protecting the community," noted Chief Joseph Perkins.

The death was announced in a press release from the Police Department Sunday, Oct. 1.

Lapanna joined the Middleboro Police Department in July 2001 as a patrol officer. In 2019, he was promoted to Sergeant and served in that position until his promotion to Lieutenant in August 2023.

 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, Lapanna was diagnosed with stage four metastatic head and neck cancer according to the press release.

“I will always be grateful for the friendship we shared,” said Select Board Chair Mark Germain. “He will be missed more than I can put in words.”

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