Search by Name

Search by Name

Ronald LaVita Obituary

Of Wakefield, Aug. 2, 2008, after a courageous battle with ALS. 53 years old. Devoted husband of Paula M. (Finn) LaVita of Wakefield, loving father of Courtney E. LaVita also of Wakefield. Cherished son of Frances T. (Colantuone) LaVita of Saugus & the late Anthony P. LaVita. Caring brother of David LaVita & his wife Karen of Tewksbury, Tony LaVita & his wife Maryjane of Beverly & Joey LaVita & his partner Debbie of Saugus. Much loved son-in-law of James & Mary Finn of Melrose. Special brother-in-law of Karen Keegan of Malden & Joyce Finn of Wakefield. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & 3 great nephews. Special thanks to Wally Bazylinski of Stoneham & Nick Guarino of Wakefield for constant presence throughout Ron's illness. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., MELROSE, on Thurs., Aug. 7th at 9 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church Herbert St., Melrose at 10 AM. Family & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-9 PM. Entombment in Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden. Donations in Ron's memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, W. Falmouth, MA 02574. For directions, obituary or to sign guest book, visit www.gatelyfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 4 to Aug. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald LaVita

Not sure what to say?





Michael Blanchette

November 8, 2008

I lived down the hall from "Big Ron" in the dorm at UNH. I had the pleasure of knowing him all 4 years and we took a class together our senior year. He was a great guy with strong morals, a tolerance of others, and was well liked by all. I have not seen or heard about him since we graduated in 1978. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

a friend

September 9, 2008

September 17, 2008 Danversport Yacht Club, Danvers, MA
Ron Lavita, Class of 1978 and a member of the UNH Wildcat Football team, passed away in August after a long battle with ALS.
Ron's family and friends have planned an event, in Ron's memory, to raise funds to help fight this horrible disease. $25.00 per person.

The event which will include comedians, live auctions, raffles, food and fun will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 6:00pm at the Danversport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott Street Danvers, MA 01923.

Nick Blundo

August 5, 2008

Ronnie was truly one of the great persons that I have ever met and worked with. He brought so much joy to those around him. He will be deeply missed and his family will always be in my prayers.

Bill Corrigan

August 5, 2008

I knew Ron as a true gentleman. He is one of my "Heroes" in life. He will always be a perfect example of the best son, Dad, husband, Uncle, and friend I had the blessing to know.Ron you are my Hero! Love you you and Yours. Bill Corrigan

Rita Nason

August 5, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with
all the family at this great time
of sorrow. May he rest in Peace.

Ann Marie Leal

August 4, 2008

Ron was the best. One of kind. He had such a way of making anyone laugh. He loved life and lived to love. I think of him often. It was very difficult to watch some so full of life and laughter to go through what he did. My prayers and sympathy are with his family and friends.
I miss my friend.

John Quinlan

August 4, 2008

Big Ron defined what it was to be a gentleman. I am truly honored to have had Ron in my life. My heart and prayers go out to his entire family. If there were more people with hearts of gold like Big Ron in this world, we would all be living in a better place! I'll never forget you,

Always You Friend,

Teresa Piscopo

August 4, 2008

Ron had the best sense of humor. You could always count on him to bring a smile to your face. My thoughts & prayers are with the family & countless friends.

alice Braganca

August 4, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss..Ronnie will be very much missed.

Taylor, Pat, Tom, Molly and Meghan Brown

August 4, 2008

You are in our prayers.

Brian Barnard

August 4, 2008

Ronnie will be with me a life time..... Simply put, he was a good man who I will surely miss. God's blessings and love are with your family. I hope that gives you some comfort.

George

August 4, 2008

It will be a big loss to his family and friends. I will thimk about you alot my good friend.

Beverly Mello

August 4, 2008

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

Lisa Campbell

August 4, 2008

He brought smiles and laughter every day he will leave a huge void in our lives. My deepest sympathy for his family.

Rob Viola

August 4, 2008

My deepest sympathy to all the family. There will never be another "Ron"!! We will miss him.
Rob Viola and the Melrose Basketball Family.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Ronald LaVita's name

Memorial Events
for Ronald LaVita

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ronald LaVita's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more