Ari Lappalainen-Zhao Obituary: Beloved Member of Community Remembered

Mountain View, 26th August 2023 – It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we gather today to commemorate the life of Ari Lappalainen-Zhao, a beloved and cherished member of our community. Ari, an accomplished individual and a proud member of the Class of ’21, left an indelible mark on our hearts during his time with us, particularly through his active participation in our esteemed cross country and track programs. As we mourn the untimely loss of Ari, our thoughts and prayers are with the Lappalainen-Zhao family, who are enduring this difficult time.

The passing of Ari has left a profound void not only among our students and alumni but also within the wider community. His presence was a constant source of inspiration and joy, and his absence is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. To honor Ari’s memory and bid him a final farewell, we extend an invitation to all friends and family to attend his funeral service, which will take place on Saturday, the 26th of August, at 11:00 am. The service will be held at the Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary in Mountain View, located at 96 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, 94040. This gathering will allow us to unite, find solace in one another, and celebrate the life of an extraordinary individual.

In this time of profound grief, we turn to our faith and offer a heartfelt prayer for Ari Lappalainen-Zhao, that he may find eternal rest and that the everlasting light of love and remembrance may forever shine upon him. Let his memory serve as a beacon, inspiring us all to live our lives fully and with kindness, just as Ari did during his time among us. As we bid our final farewell to Ari, let us forever hold in our hearts the impact he had on our lives and the invaluable lessons he taught us about dedication, perseverance, and the power of genuine friendship. May his legacy endure, guiding us to become better individuals and fostering a more compassionate community.