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David Lassalle Obituary
He was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania in 1941 to Elizabeth and Fredric Lassalle.
He obtained his Master's Degree in Theology from The Philadelphia Divinity School and was an Episcopal priest in Hampton Roads. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, The Tidewater Boat Club, and Chesapeake Hunt Club. For many years, David worked for ODU as their chaplain and an adviser of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
He is preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 50 years, Sherran Anne Gotjen Lassalle.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Keyte Lassalle; his four sons, Eric (Meg), Christopher, Sean (Missy), and Ian (Amy); his sister, Kathleen Heltzel; sister-in-law, Bonnie Hafer; and nieces and nephews, Jennett and Paul Hafer, Raymond Powell and Courtney Soerensen.
His eleven grandchildren brought him the greatest joy and will remember him with love: Matthew, Jonathon, Margaret, Caroline, Blake, Noah, Grace, Emma Grace, Toren, Jenna, and Stuart.
David touched the lives of people everywhere he went, from The Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry Center at ODU to all the many parishes he served. He will be dearly missed by so many. He will be remembered by his family, many friends, hunting and boating buddies, and parishioners for his infectious laugh, booming voice, passionate sermons, tall tales, and giant hugs.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 201 St. Paul's Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23510 on Saturday, January 27th at 10:30 am. Inurnment to follow at the church's columbarium. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Lassalle
Sponsored by the family.
Katrina Loletrice Carter
October 6, 2024
I just learned of the home going of the ODU Padre. I am so upset and hurt. I will miss David!! Love Katrina
H. Grace Fuller
May 31, 2024
I´ve just learned of Rev. David Lassale´s passing. He was a bit of our family minister. He performed the marriage rite for my son, Thom and wife Midge, and was Thom´s pastor when he was a student at ODU. Fr. Lasalle cheered on my son, Thom, when he was on the swim team alongside David´s his own son when they swam for Maury HS. Fr Lasalle also married my husband and me, and he performed the Baptism of my niece and namesake. My family members had all left the Norfolk area by the late 1990s and had lost touch with David, yet his guidance and love remains lives on as a part of our lives. My condolences go out to all his family members.
Marbeth "Marby" Carmack
February 1, 2024
I am so sad to learn of David´s passing. It was a joy to know him and his family when I worked at Old Dominion. Sherry and David welcomed me into their home and helped me in so many ways.
Nat and Ettora Elliott
January 31, 2024
Always enjoyed his sermons at Saint Marks Episcopal Church in Suffolk, VA
He will be greatly missed . Condolences to Sally and the family
Robert F Bilicki
January 27, 2024
David Lassalle was an inspiration to me and so many others who knew of him. I always looked forward to seeing & listening to David. I will miss his voice and laugh but never forget his genuine love for life.
Kenny Skees
January 26, 2024
Reverend was a special guy, gonna miss him.
Mike Evans
January 26, 2024
Many, many tall ships, and smaller vessels, departed the protected waters of the Norfolk harbor where they were guests at Harborfest or OpSail, assured by the blessings of Father Lasalle. His steady voice, the envy of radio announcers everywhere, boomed out over the Elizabeth River, as each captain and crew got underway.
Now it's your turn Padre. Fair winds, and following seas.
Pat and Paul Williams
January 22, 2024
David's personality and care knew no bounds. Although our paths diverged in recent years, the early years at Canterbury were exciting and exhausting but so formative and memorable. He welcomed our young children. while we considered Board business. His care continued as he visited our daughter in the hospital and married our son.
So many lives he touched; his bright presence will be much missed.
SARAH SCOTT Thomas
January 18, 2024
The world will miss this incredible man. Always thinking of others and just a joy to be around. He helped my son when Warner was accepted into VMI and was incredibly supportive. He made a huge difference in our lives and the lives of so many others.
William B. Taylor, Jr.+
January 18, 2024
The Rev. David Lassalle was a great mentor and friend who helped guide my calling into the priesthood. When I was struggling with the idea of "call," David did something that I could understand. I got a call on the telephone, "Bill, you have been called." It was then that I realized that a "call" was not only an inward call of the heart, but also an outward call of the community of Jesus Christ! I will forever remember his kindness, his guidance, and his sense of humor and laugh. Most of all, I will remember his love for me and all the students who came to the Canterbury Center at ODU. David indeed has a special place in God's Kingdom triumphant! I send my deepest thoughts, prayers and condolances to his wife, Sally; his sons, Eric, Christopher, Sean, and Ian as well to the rest of David's family! With heartfelt blessings and peace, The Rev. Bill Taylor+, ODU and Canterbury Center Class of 1981.
Lawrence and Mary Laine
January 14, 2024
Dave will be missed throughout the Diocese. Besides ODU, we enjoyed his visits to St. Peters. Mary and I are too frail to make the service but we send our love to the family. Lawrence and Mary Laine
Patricia Carrabon Smith
January 14, 2024
Fr David LaSalle and Sherran were such an inspiration to our entire family!
We all loved them and spent time with them while at ODU.
As the hour, days and weeks pass, may the sadness be replaced with fond memories, that deep laugh, beautiful smile not forgetting those hugs. What a jewel of a person he was! He will be surely missed!
May he RIP from all his earthly labours!
The Carrabons and The Tenia´s
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