David A. Lagatta

David A. Lagatta, 54, of New Philadelphia passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021 following an extended illness.

Born March 16, 1966 in Dover he was a son of the late Louis and Dolly Visconti Lagatta.

David is survived by his sister, Joyce (Jeff) Hinds of New Philadelphia; brother, Daniel (Diane) Lagatta of Columbus.

If you knew David, you probably have some wonderful memories of this fascinating man who knew everyone and everything, thanks in part to his daily dose of Jeopardy. Driving David around town was certainly a who's who in Tuscarawas County. Pointing out a friend's home (possibly yours) would lead to rattling off the names of your brothers, sisters, mom and dad. Then he would name companies the family owed or their careers. He even knew Joyce and Dan's classmates, despite a 10- and 3-year separation between them. And of course, he had our family tree etched in his brain. His memory was amazing. It's no surprise that David knew Italy, it's culture and cuisine. David had the chance to visit twice as the "pit crew" of sorts (and occasional navigator) with a group from Dover for the famous Mille Miglia race. Men and machines made the trip for the "most beautiful race in the world", a 1,000 mile race which took David through Rome, Siena, and throughout the Tuscany region along the narrow streets of small hilltop villas. David also possessed a great deal of knowledge of vintage sports cars - Italian and English, in particular. David could whip up (and dirty every pot and pan in the process) any authentic Italian dish from our family recipes, ala Louie Lagatta! "Guess what I'm making right now?" would begin quite a few of his calls. He said cooking was his therapy.

Besides cooking, David loved guns and dogs - BIG dogs. His recent goal was to get an apartment where he once again could have a big dog and a kitchen with a gas stove. It had to be gas - the only way to cook he would say.

10 years ago David began his battle with HIV, leaving him susceptible to a host of other diseases, which eventually left him incapacitated. Recently, he was diagnosed with Castleman's Disease, a very rare disease that attacks the lymphatic system. In the past three months David lived in a the cycle of hospitals, nursing homes, his apartment, then back to the hospital. His days were spent talking to family and friends. We were hopeful his treatment for Castlemen's would be successful so that he could finally settle in an assisted living facility. His death surprised all of us. Please lift a glass to David. He cherished his family and friends and had that ever present smile as he told yet another story about you! At this time, we will leave a memorial open. We may gather later this year to share those stories, laugh, and remember David's wit and charm. He would love that.



Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. There are no services or calling hours.