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Wayne High School West Virginia University

Charles Lanasa Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

LANASA, Charles J. (April 18, 1939 - October 15, 2006) Charlie, age 67, succumbed Sunday, October 15, 2006 after a four year battle with cancer. Charlie was born on April 18, 1939 in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended West Virginia University on a football scholarship, graduated in 1961 and began a career in education which lasted 37 years. After working 25 years in the Dayton Public School System, Charlie retired after 5 years as principal of Wayne High School, Huber Heights, OH in 1991. Charlie returned to education in 1994 as principal of Bishop Leibold School, Dayton, OH. His final retirement came in 2001. A four year resident of Ft. Myers, FL Charlie enjoyed golf, tennis and time with family and friends. Charlie touched the lives of all those with whom he came in contact. He had a warm smile, caring heart and genuine commitment to helping his students and children succeed in life. Though cancer may destroy the body it could neither silence his courage, ruin his faith, nor his generosity - his corneas have been donated with the hope that someday another will see. Charlie, married 43 years, is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters Michelle and Denise; his son Michael; grandchildren Elsa, Janet, Jacob, Matthew, Caitlin, Taylor, Erik and Adrian; sons-in-law Peter Bell and Dean Tropp; his brother Peter C. Lanasa, his wife Florence, their children Patty, Lisa, Tom and Amy along with their spouses and children; his brothers and sisters-in-law Don and Roberta Licker, their children Ashley and Ryan; Phil and Eileen Crawford, their children Nathalie, Lauren and Dana; Jack and Stephanie Kumpfmiller and their daughter Morgan. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, October 26th at Incarnation Catholic Church, Centerville, OH at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the 'Charles J. Lanasa Education Fund' in care of Michelle Bell, 2369 Palomira Court, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

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Published by Dayton Daily News from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Lanasa

23 Entries

Lilly & Marcel Haigy

November 2, 2006

Charlie,

We only knew you for a few short years,but we can fully understand the admiration your students and teachers have for you.
We saw your quiet strength, along with a warm smile.

You will be missed here at Legends, especially by your tennis buddies.

Our prayers go out to Judy and the family.

Glenn Hunter

November 1, 2006

Judy,
When many of us, educators and students, look back on our lives, we will find that we are better parents,companions and people because of our time with Charlie. He was that "impact player" for me! While I know that I fall dreadfully short each and every day, I will nonetheless attempt to live my life in a manner that would make him proud...a life with Integrity and Purpose! I will remember him fondly.

Diane Rees

October 30, 2006

Mrs. Lanasa and family,
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. My children had Mr. Lanasa as principal at Bishop Leibold School and are better people for having known him. They always spoke about how much he cared and how he knew every student by name. We will remember Mr. Lanasa in our prayers.
May God be with each of you during this difficult time.
Diane, Robert, Nicholas, Lauren, and William Rees

Donna Herrin

October 27, 2006

Judy and family, I'm so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Lanasa. We were truely blessed to have him as our principal at Bishop Leibold school. I can relate to the stories that the other people from this guest book have said about Mr. Lanasa. He was truely involved with his work. It's not too often when a principal takes the time to greet the students in the morning and know them by name. He truely ran a well disciplined school and that was what we were looking for when we transferred our kids to BLS. I don't know of any principal that has been more loved by so many teachers students and parents. I also think it was a true blessing to Mr. Lanasa when he asked you, Judy to be his secretary. It takes a lot of love between a husband and wife to work so well together. Well we will surely miss him but we know he is in heaven and he is not having any more pain. We will keep your family in our prayers. Donna Herrin

myra burr

October 26, 2006

Judy & family,
Just want you to know you have been in my thoughts throughout Charlie's illness, and I was deeply saddened to hear of his death. I have read with interest all the lovely notes of admiration being paid to Charlie & know they are truly deserved. Although I know he will genuinely be missed, just remember all the good times, happiness, laughs & love you were fortunate enough to share with him. Take care of yourselves.
myra burr

Bill Duffy

October 26, 2006

My condolences to Charlie's wife Judy, his children and grand children. I am saddened by his passing. I taught at Cornell Heights Elementary from 1976 to 1980 with Charlie as my principal. I will always treasure the rich experience. Charles Lanasa was my educator role model and professional inspiration. His integrity, honesty, compassion, courage, work ethic, leadership and professionalism left a deep, deep impression on my heart. He truely cared about his students and his teachers. Charlie was a totally principled man who always made tough decisions based upon what was best for kids. Charlie had an open door policy for us teachers and truely cared about our success. Charlie, I know you are in Heaven! God Bless You!

Bobby Coy

October 26, 2006

As far as educators go, Mr. Lanasa was an incredible leader, always honest and fair, and respected by all. As strong and passionate as he was about education, he was an even better man. Mr. Lanasa taught that you should treat everyone with respect, and give everything of yourself to help others in need of assistance. What a wonderful man, and his passing is a tremendous loss to us all. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to all of his loved ones. May you find peace and happiness in the joy and love that he brought not only to you, but to countless others that knew him.

Tish Whitesell

October 25, 2006

I was so sorry to learn of Charlie's death. My brother, Sam Lickliter, called me this morning with the sad news. Pete and I have been friends for over 50 years; and Charlie and I began our careers together in the Dayton School System in 1961. My special thoughts are with the family at this time.

Sincerely, Alicia (Tish Lickliter) Whitesell

Beth (Kincaid) Shilt

October 25, 2006

Mr. Lanasa had a profound effect on my life. He was a man that gained respect by his word and his deed. I was a student a Meadowdale Elementary when he joined us as principal. He came there just as busing was beginning, a time that could have been difficult and uncomfortable. It wasn’t. Mr. Lanasa was always there with his warm smile and determined attitude. He knew every one of us by name and truly knew each of us personally. Our school lacked discipline when he came there. He immediately took control. I will always remember his personal public address system. He would walk into the lunch room and whistle. Every student would become quiet and Mr. Lanasa would say what he had to say. No one questioned him, no one doubted him, no one was afraid of him. A good man, with a good heart, who loved his job and his students. Mr. Lanasa worked hard every day and the love for his job was evident even to a child of 10 or 11. I’ve told my children about him many times. I’ve compared others to him and was frustrated when they didn’t meet the standard. Mr. Lanasa was special and I’m sad that he is no longer here. I’m sad that he suffered with cancer, but I’m sure he did so with his own style of dignity and grace. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, and brother with us. We are better because of it. May God bless you and give you peace during this time. We will see him again and smile.

Kevin Caulfield

October 25, 2006

Judy,Mike,Shelley,and Denise-My deepest sympathies go out to all of you.The many fond memories from my youth are countless.May God have mercy on Charlie's soul and grant him eternal rest.

Karen Goff

October 25, 2006

Shelly
May you find comfort in the days ahead with the wonderful memories you have of your father. Although I haven't seen you in years, I think of you often. Call me sometime.
Karen Goff (AAA)

Greg Lyons

October 25, 2006

Mr. Lanasa was my principal at Wayne in the late 80's. What an awesome man! If more educators had his spirit, attitude, and demeanor, I truly believe there would be less of the problems faced today. Thank you for touching all of our lives. Your friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim Garver (Hupp)

October 24, 2006

Mr Lanasa, we are truly sad to see you go. He was my principal at Wayne High School and I was among the last class that he was there for, the class of 1991. He was invited to our 10 year class reunion 5 years ago and he had a blast. I was glad we invited him. I'm sorry for his family's loss. He was truly a good man and will be truly missed by all.

Brian Caulfield

October 24, 2006

Mr. Lanasa was the father of my very good friend growing up, Mike, along with Shelly and Denise. He was a role model and a staple for an excellent father. He was well respected. I had many great times with his family on Alvarado and went to several Reds games with he and Mike. My deepest condolences go to his wife and family.

michelle howard

October 24, 2006

Mr. Lanasa was my principal at either Meadowdale elementary or Cornell Heights. His smile was the first thing we saw in the morning and he always had an encouraging word. I hope knowing that he touched so many people with his kindness brings you comfort.

Weontah McElroy-Williams

October 24, 2006

Mr Lanasa was my principal at Meadowdale Elementary School. He loved and cared for us as though we were his own children. He would meet the school bus out front every morning to greet us and he would be there in the afternoon to tell us goodbye. He took the time to know each of us individually. Mr Lanasa had a great spirit and a beautiful smile that will be missed by many. May your family find comfort in knowing that you were a great inspiration to us all. We've lost our hero but God has gained another Angel.

Tonya Moffett-Hinesmon

October 24, 2006

Mr. Lanasa was my principle during the early 80's at Stivers Intermediate Magnet School. I will always remember his bright smile and genuine concern for his students. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Felicia (Fefe) Jackson

October 24, 2006

Mr. Lanasa was my Principle at Cornell Heights 1977-1980. He gave me a certificate for wearing my jacket (all) the time.(smile) He was a good man.
May God bless him and his family.

Dempsey Sparks

October 24, 2006

Charlie would always say to Jack and I. Which day of your Three Day Diet are you guys on?

Elizabeth Hodges

October 24, 2006

Mr. Lanasa was my Principle at Wayne in 1990. He was so loved there and was good to all of us. He will be dearly missed.

Kittie Swords

October 24, 2006

Dear Charlie, just know that you touched so many lives and you are a special person. Your family and friends will miss you terribly.

Crystal Scott

October 24, 2006

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- Psalm 46:1

Mr. Lanasa was my principal at Stivers Middle School in the mid 1980's. I have always remembered his nice smile, and caring way he treated his students. He was firm but fair, and a very nice man. My condolences and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time. I hope you can take comfort in knowing his life touched those of many young people at a critical time in their life. My family will be praying for yours.

Bruce and Pam Cunningham

October 24, 2006

Judy
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are in our prayers. May God comfort you.

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