Arnold LaSota

Arnold Joseph (A.J.) LaSota, 82, of Daytona Beach Shores, passed away peacefully in the presence of his Lord on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 with his family by his side.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on June 20, 1942, A.J. was an irresistible force of nature. Excelling both athletically and academically, he graduated with distinction from Lake Weir High School in Belleview, Florida in 1960 before earning a business degree from the University of Florida in 1965.

A lifelong salesman, A.J.'s professional career kept him on the move as he traversed multiple facets of the medical industry in multiple locations across North America. Highlights included successful stints with the Johnson & Johnson Company; the launch of the first wave of endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments to be sold in the United States; the founding of ENDOlap, Inc. and joining the executive team of Sybron Dental, when the "farmboy from Belleview" rang the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange.

Eventually, the irresistible force met its match in the immovable and steadfast kindness and grace of his wife Marlene, who he loved dearly to the end.

A.J. loved to sing (usually offkey) and he loved to cheer for (or more frequently, yell at) the Florida Gators. He was never far from the gym.

He touched many lives with his outgoing personality and willingness to lend an ear, give thoughtful advice, and mentor those who sought his tutelage. A.J. was committed to his faith and loved teaching the Bible most of his adult life, most recently at CrossRoads Church in Daytona Beach.

Most of all, A.J. was a loving friend, son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was an exceptional story teller, especially to his grandchildren, frequently mesmerizing them with his tall tales and animated ways. He will be missed.

A.J. was predeceased by his parents, John LaSota of Belleview, Florida, and Martha Newell of Ocala, Florida, along with his beloved little brother, James LaSota of Tampa, Florida.

A.J. is survived by his wife, Marlene LaSota; his sister, Cynthia Hurst of Dunnellon, Florida and niece, Rhonda Waugh (Steven) of Ramstein, Germany; his children, Robbin Sinay (Michael Avery) of Hayesville, North Carolina; Kristine Athearn (Edward) of Daytona Beach, Florida; Steven LaSota (Jennifer) of Greensboro, North Carolina; and stepchildren, Bill Knox (Lysiane) of Edmonton, Alberta; Lisa Musto (David) of Abbotsford, British Columbia; Lori Berehowsky(Drake) of Longwood, Florida; and 16 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2025 @ 2:00 pm, CrossRoads Church, 1851 S. Clyde Morris Blvd, Daytona Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to one of the following charities: Halifax Health Hospice, halifaxhealth.org/services/hospice-and-palliative-medicine, Hillsdale College, https://www.hillsdale.edu/ or The Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute, https://rileygainescenter.org/.