Morton M. Lapides Sr.'s Obituary
Morton M. Lapides, Sr., an entrepreneur with interests in many organizations over the span of seven decades, peacefully died on December 17 at his home of over fifty years in Annapolis at the age of 84.
Mr. Lapides was born in Baltimore, attended Baltimore Polytechnic high school and subsequently graduated from Lehigh University in 1951. He then served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve in Baltimore and reached the rank of Lieutenant.
Mr. Lapides was best known in the community and region for his business activity. After spending several years in a construction business in Anne Arundel County, he worked for the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Baltimore franchise which he acquired in 1962 and renamed it Allegheny Beverage Corporation (ABC). He expanding and acquired other Pepsi-Cola franchises in Central Pennsylvania, Richmond and Norfolk. ABC became the nation’s largest publicly owned Pepsi franchisee with bottling plants in Baltimore, Newport News, VA and Harrisburg, PA.
Over several decades, Mr. Lapides he was involved in the acquisition of other entities in the business of: arts & crafts, cigar manufacturing, national food and vending service, office furniture sales, a national network of laundry services, a janitorial service, large volume screenprinter, apparel design and manufacturing, and industrial rivet and fastener manufacturing,
By 1986, Mr. Lapides’ business was generating more than $1 billion of annual revenue and employed nearly 45,000 individuals. The businesses were ultimately sold to a variety of purchasers, and Mr. Lapides remained involved with the company until he was forced to curtail his business due to health issues.
Mr. Lapides established a non-profit, The Cancer Foundation, Inc., to provide funds for continuing cancer research and was particularly interested in alternative approaches for cancer treatment. He was also involved in a number of meaningful organizations and charities and widely known for his philanthropy.
Mr. Lapides is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pamela W. Lapides. He is also survived by his children: Jeffrey, Julie, Jill, Mitchell, Mollie, Morton Jr., and Matthew; 13 grandchildren; his sister Dotty Rodbell; and his 3 poodle dogs. His two earlier marriages ended in divorce.
Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johns Hopkins Hospital c/o Dr. Ross Donhauer, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287; or Anne Arundel Medical Center c/o Jan W. Wood, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401; or, the Oblate Sister of Providence c/o Sister Reginald Gerdes, 701 Gun Road, Baltimore, MD, 21227.
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