Obituary of Lauri Steven Filppu

Lauri Steven Filppu, 64, a retired Justice Department attorney passed away at home on October 30th after a courageous several year battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Filppu, brother Lennart (Lucy) Filppu, and sister Ellen (Mark) Whitfield. Also surviving are his sons Steven (Vanessa), Michael (Ana), Brian (Michele) and Keith (Laura), Monica Maccera Filppu, 5 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Lauri began his career as an Attorney Advisor with the Board of Immigration Appeals in 1973. Before his retirement earlier this year, Lauri served with the Department of Justice for 19 years with the Office of Immigration Litigation, including a tenure as Deputy Director, and 16 years with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, as a Board Member. He received the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award in 1994 and the John Marshall Award in 1987. Throughout his career, Lauri made innumerable contributions to the field of immigration law. He also enjoyed many years of coaching soccer, timing at swim meets and camping and hiking with his sons and their friends. He especially loved the peaceful tranquility of Shenandoah National Park. Of special delight to him was the arrival of his grandchildren. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Rd., Burke, VA 22015. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Lauri’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 5845 Richmond Highway Suite #800, Alexandria, VA 22303. Please note on the memo line that the donation is to be used for CLL research, and request that the family be notified of your donation. Donations may also be made to the charity of your choice.