Fortunato "Toi" Lagapa
October 15, 1934 - September 30, 2021
Salinas
Fortunato "Toi" Lagapa passed peacefully at the age of 86 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Toi was born in Ka'alaea, Hawai'i on October 15, 1934. He attended Waiahole School and graduated from Castle High School in 1953. In 1956 while stationed in Berlin, Germany, he met the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life. This is where they started their journey of 64 years. Two years later they started their family, having three children.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955, taking great pride in his military career His duty stations included: Hawaii, Germany, Korea, Texas, and California. He completed two tours during the Vietnam War, one of which was voluntary. Fortunato was awarded a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and numerous other awards. After he retired from the military, he worked for the city of Salinas and retired after 18 years of service.
He was very active in sports all of his life. He excelled at volleyball & bicycling but handball was his passion. He played the game for 40+ years. During those years he was a handball champion many times over.
Fortunato is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Waltraud "Peggy" Lagapa; his children, Christine Irmgard Lagapa-Talbott (Jim), Michael Fortunato Lagapa, Andy Kalani Lagapa (Nora), Hanai son Kaleo'okalani Lagapa; his grandchildren, Keala, Maile, Kalani, Kimo, Serena, Kanani, Sanoe and Ikela; ten great-grandchildren; his sister Elizabeth Royos; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Theodoro Lagapa; his mother, Harriet Lagapa; and his siblings, Primitiva Dano, Restituta Lam Ho, Aurelia Keohokapu, Esmiragdo Lagapa, Filisima Manalo, Gregorio Lagapa, Bunifacio Lagapa, and Lawrence Lagapa, Sr.
Kindness and compassion were his best attributes. He was a humble man that enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to sing and play his ukulele as music was his heartbeat. He never knew a stranger, his home was always open as he welcomed you with a smile.
Due to Covid-19, a private memorial service will be held with family. The interment will be held at a later date.

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Published by Monterey Herald Obits on Oct. 30, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Fortunato Lagapa

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5 Entries

Candy Hopkins

January 11, 2022

To Peggy and the kids, So very sorry to read about Toi passing away. May time and memories heal the hole in your hearts. God Bless all of you.

David Alcarez

November 7, 2021

To the Lagapa Family,
I am very sorry about your loss of Toi. I will always have fond memories of him and Dad playing music together. I will also remember how happy he was.
I am sending all of you my Love and hope you all find comfort in fond memories from the past and amongst one another. Eva and Lee are having difficulty and we lost Uncle Roy last October 9th,2020.
They both send all of you their condolences and Love.

Lee von Preussen Matsuyama

November 7, 2021

I am so sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Lagapa. My Father and my Uncle all knew him from Berlin and the army. I have good memories of Mr. Lagapa and my Uncle Leo playing music and being so happy. My sincere condolences go to the entire Lagapa family. I am also sorry that I didn´t keep in touch with you Frau Lagapa in 2020 but COVID struck our home and I lost my Father to COVID in October 2020.
Anyways I´m praying that you all find comfort amongst your family and friends and I will pray for you all... Love from Lee and Eva Matsuyama & David Alcarez

Howard Gustafson

November 2, 2021

Toi will be missed. I first experienced Toi and a couple of other sergeants at the 3rd Street gym, playing handball of course. I had just graduated from Seaside High, 1971, and wanted to learn to play handball. They sure taught me well. I loved the game and went on to be number one at Fresno State for a semester. His ukulele playing was great and I loved hearing him play at the monthly Veterans of Hawaii meetings we used to have at the VFW. I recorded his best rendition of "My Buddy" at an American Legion event --- great tune and performed well. I'll miss Toi.

Debbie Rappa

October 28, 2021

Dear Peggie and family I am very sorry you lost your Toi.
After retiring from Dr DeWitt I don't get out much.
I loved reading about Toi's life. lots of love and hugs to you. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your children.

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