George C. Lagana, 81, of Rochester died on Monday, January 1, 2024. He was born on March 6, 1942 in Dunkirk to Mary (Ingavo) and Carmelo Lagana and was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.
He was predeceased by Frank, Peter, Pat and Catherine Lagana and is survived by Mary (Lagana) Kopec and John Lagana.
George's younger years were that of school and working hard on the family farm. He loved music and played trombone in the school band (which he picked up again later in life with a church band and lastly, New Horizons band in Rochester). In his teenage years, he worked at Boothie's Big Dipper, where he met his wife (of 59 years), Rita (VanDette). After marrying in 1964, they relocated to Rochester. He went on to have three children of his own: Mark (Jennifer) Deana (Anthony) and Tricia. He also has two amazing grandchildren, Madison and Jake, whom he loves wholeheartedly.
George was in the Army Reserves for seven years. He attended Bryant & Stratton College and went on to work as an air conditioning/heating technician until he retired at 54. At that point, Rita & George enjoyed many travel adventures in their RV, one that included traveling through Canada to Alaska and coming back home via the U.S. They loved Alaska so much, they returned just a few years ago, but on a cruise ship to view this beautiful state from a different angle. Though not quite a pro, he loved playing a weekly game of golf with his buddies. He had at least 100 random garage sale clubs and had no shame! Grip and rip! And last but not least, George loved to sing to anyone and everyone who would listen. Sometimes for a treat he would attempt to sing in Italian (HIS version).
George and Rita bought a park model home on a golf course in Davenport, FL, where they would spend their winter months. George golfed and was a pro key player on his cornhole team. Biking, too, was a huge part of George and Rita's adventures.
George was a fierce lover of family, they all meant the world to him. His yearly highlight would be going to his huge family reunion to sing, eat and prank everyone. He loved jokes and laughing. He was very close to his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. He was loved by all.
Whenever help was needed in any way, George could be counted on to be first in line to offer a hand, no matter what the task. His heart for helping was bigger than life. He had always carried those deep emotions of love, family, honesty, integrity and willingness to help in any way he could. Brought up to be a hard-working, goal-oriented go-getter, aging never stopped him from getting the job done 100%.
In his last stretch of a well-lived life blessed by God, Rita was by his side as his sole caregiver.
George (dad, poppie, Georgie, papa) will be carried in our hearts always. He was an amazing teacher/role model. All those lessons will remain and shine in all we do for the entirety of our lifetime.
Family and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 6 2024 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Assembly, 3249 Chili Avenue in Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the 700 Club Operation Blessing at www.ob.org/#donate-now.
Arrangements are by Leo M. Bean & Sons Funeral Home in Rochester.
