Larry Tata

Larry Tata
of Leominster; 86

LEOMINSER - Larry Tata, 86, of Leominster, passed away peacefully Thursday evening surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

Larry was the son of Giacomo and Vittoria (Celli) Tata and was predeceased by his loving wife, Marion (Nisula) Tata, and son-in-law Michael Catalfano.

Family was Larry's main priority and leaves behind five children, Sharon Campbell and her husband Dale of Florida, Karen Brause and her husband Tom of Leominster, Stephanie Catalfano of Westford, Jack Tata and his wife Denice of West Boylston and Larry Tata and his wife Amy of Leominster. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, Marion Dietz, Rabecca Moisan, Joseph Mehtala, Michael Mehtala, Benjamin Brause, Tommie Calisti, Adam Brause, Michael Catalfano Jr., Cayla Barnett, Lainie Fallon, Olivia Tata, Andrea Tata, Alec Tata and eighteen great-grandchildren, the youngest, Cristina due in November.

A devout Catholic, Larry was a lifelong parishioner of St. Anna's Parish, serving in various capacities, beginning as an altar boy and until his recent illness, an usher.

His professional career began as a physical education teacher in the Lancaster Public School system, eventually retiring as principal of Lancaster Middle School. He was a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus serving as Grand Knight from 1965-1966.

Larry was a passionate and very skilled bocce player. Some of his favorite times were on the bocce court at the Foggia Club as well as Friday night card games. An avid reader, Larry spent many hours a day with a book in his hand. Puzzle making was another pastime he enjoyed.

From a young man playing sports, to coaching his own children and then actively "watching" his grandchildren from the sidelines, Larry always appreciated a little competition.

Larry leaves behind many friends, nieces, nephews and godchildren, and will be missed by his sister, Mary Blanchette of Leominster. He was predeceased by his siblings, Pam Franciosi, Angelo Tata, Antonetta Marini and Domenic Tata.

A natural born teacher, Larry led by example. Over the course of his dedicated career he positively impacted many lives in and out of the classroom. Many of which, he remained in contact with, meeting annually to reminisce about his years as an educator and friend. He will be dearly missed by many.

TATA - A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018 from the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster with a mass at 11 am in St. Anna's Parish, 194 Lancaster Street, Leominster. Burial will be in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 5-8 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, 72 River Park St. Suite #202 Needham, MA 02494.

www.richardsonfuneralhome.net.