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James Lacava Obituary
LaCAVA Dr. JAMES J. LaCAVA Of Glen Allen, VA and formerly of Alexandria, VA, departed this life on July 22, 2009 at the age of 86. He was born on February 12, 1923 in Danbury, CT. A Naval fighter pilot during WWII, Dr. LaCava served on the USS Bantaan, flying an F6F. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut, and later his dental degree from Georgetown University in 1954. Dr. LaCava practiced dentistry for 50 years in Alexandria and was a lifetime member of the Virginia Dental Association. Never losing his passions for flight or the sea, Dr. LaCava was also a 30-year member of the Flying Dentists Association and an avid boater. He was a founding member of Good Shepherd Parish and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. Dr. LaCava was a loving husband and caring father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Betty; sister, Lena Custance of Ocala, FL; children, Michael (Cathy), George "Al" (Suzanne), Paul (Patty), Theresa (Daniel), Mary (Mike), and Jody (Paul); as well as 12 grandchildren. The LaCava family would like to give special thanks to Maria Brown, Michelle Lee, Frances Carr and Rosalind Seward for the care they gave him. Dr. LaCava was a jack-of-all-trades and master of all; he will be deeply missed. Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 29, beginning at 11 am at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309. Burial with Full Military Honors will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 9 a.m. at the Arlington National Cemetery. The family asks that donations be made in Dr. LaCava''s memory to the Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Lacava
Steve Woznak
July 28, 2009
I will remember Dr. Lacava as the man who couldn't bring himself to retire. During the nearly 40 years that he was my dentist, I came to feel very welcome and close to him, and everyone in the office. My condolences and prayers go out to the family, and the staff at the office.
Charlotte and Bonnie Brown
July 28, 2009
We are so sorry for the loss of Dr. LaCava. He was a dear sweet man. He was our first dentist and a big help to our mom in the "early years". We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Dr. Patrick Woznak
July 28, 2009
I owe Dr. LaCava a great deal. He was a true mentor in helping me persue my dream of becoming a dentist. I am forever indebted to him. We wish we could be there; however, I am away on vacation with my family and unable to make it back.
Jackie Rogers-Miller
July 27, 2009
Theresa,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. You are in my thoughts often.
July 27, 2009
July 27,2009
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We always enjoyed his and Betty's company during family gatherings and celebrations. You are such a close family and this is truely a great loss for all of you. We will keep you in our prayers.
Uncle Paul & Aunt MaryAnn
Charles Woznak
July 27, 2009
My most sincere condolences for your loss. Dr. Lacava was a great man, and we are all at a loss with his passing.
Diane Dillow
July 26, 2009
Charlie and I are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Lacava was a wonderful person, and our dentist for over 40 years. He will be greatly missed.
July 26, 2009
Dr. Lacava has been our family dentist since the early 1960,s. He will be greatly missed. God bless.
July 26, 2009
My Dad
He never looked for praises
He was never one to boast
He just went on quietly working
For those he loved the most
His dreams were seldom spoken
His wants were very few
And most of the time his worries
Would go unspoken, too
He was there....a firm foundation
Through all my storms of life
A steady hand to hold to
In times of stress and strife
A true friend I could turn to
When times were good or bad
One of my greatest blessings
The man that I called DAD
I love and will miss you always -
Your daughter, Theresa
Richard Gamble
July 25, 2009
Our sincere condolences to the LaCava family. We have so enjoyed your old family home in the quiet Mount Vernon cul de sac, and invite you to stop by. There have been major changes since 2003. Richard & Melodie Gamble
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