Fernanda "Fran" A. Lapila

Fernanda “Fran” A. (Vitelli) Lapila, 76, of Southington, passed away peacefully after a long battle with stage 4 lung cancer on Sunday, December 28, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Detective Joseph J. Lapila III.

Fran was born in Italy on March 22, 1949 to the late Dominic and Mary (Cotungo) Vitelli. She graduated from Southington High School and worked as a hair dresser for many years. She then took a position at Southington Savings Bank, retiring in 2021 after many years of dedicated service. Fran enjoyed shopping, dining out and going to the beach, but most of all spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Fran is survived by three daughters; Melissa Hallgren and her husband David of Southington, Christa Mitchard and her husband William of East Hampton and Tricia Cowell and her husband Andrew of West Hartford, four grandchildren; Anders Hallgren (Caelin), Jonathan Hallgren (Effie), Dalton Williams and Sloane Cowell. In addition to her husband Joe, she was predeceased by one brother, Ferdinando Vitelli.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran’s memory may be made to the Southington Police Cadet Program (https://southingtonpoliceexplorers.weebly.com/).

A funeral service will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Plantsville Funeral Home. Burial is private. Calling hours will be held before the service from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.