Patricia Louise Delp

Patricia Louise Delp, age 91, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully under hospice care on February 19, 2026. Patricia was born July 11, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Peter and Matilda Lapicki. Patricia’s grandfather and father of Ukraine decent, arrived in New York in 1905 on the ship “Zeeland” after departing Antwerp, Belgium.

As the daughter of a baker who owned Lapicki Bakery in Etna and North Hills, Patricia frequently recounted memories of collecting fresh donuts daily from the bakery conveyor belt on her way to Mount Assisi Academy, and dancing polka while standing atop her father’s feet. She continued her father’s passion for baking (and eating donuts) and preparing treats for school classrooms and numerous family wedding cakes over the years. Patricia was also musically inclined, starting with an accordion purchased by her father as a young girl, to performing with the Glenshaw Players in Pittsburgh, and singing in the choir at Zionsville Methodist Church. Her talent extended to sewing, where she established an alterations business at home, later expanding into designing matching outfits for her children, including covered hats and shoes and 3-piece suits for her young sons. For several years, she made and sold Barbie doll clothes, award-winning Halloween costumes, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, and even made her daughter’s wedding dress, all truly labors of love. Her interest in fabric and decorating led her to work at Calico Corners in Zionsville and Sarasota, where she contributed to home décor projects for her friends and family. Patricia’s embroidery pieces are displayed in family homes and have received recognition at state fairs.

Together with her husband Dick, Patricia pursued country swing and line dancing, performing at the Indiana State Fair, at times alongside their grandchildren. Following retirement, she spent time playing Marjon with the girls at Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, birdwatching, and crocheting “scrubbies” for friends, family, and craft shows. These scrubbies are coveted in many kitchen drawers around the country. Patricia also dedicated time to writing a memoir, leaving a legacy and reminding her family that they were all a product of hard work.

Preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband of seventy years, Richard “Dick” Delp, and son, David Delp of Queens Creek, Arizona, her family hopes their reunion was a wonderful celebration. Patricia is survived by her sister, Donna Gloeckner of Pittsburgh, PA, her children, Carole Wildes of Sarasota, Florida, Robert Delp (Carol) of Elyria, Ohio, and Thomas Delp (Debbie) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

Patricia enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in Cleveland, Ohio, Zionsville, Indiana, and Sarasota, sharing and teaching her love of baking, sewing, playing the organ, and smothering them with love. Left to carry on grandma’s memories are grandchildren Stayce Koegler (Jeff), Britney Delp, Kate Kesselring, Raymond Thomas (Libby), Lauren Slezak (Greg), and Kelly Thomas, along with 7 great-grandchildren.

In her memory, the family encourages others to appreciate the beauty of nature by recognizing a bird call or embracing the moon and stars – symbolizing the enduring connection among loved ones, even when they are afar.