Ernest F. Lagatta

Ernest Frank Lagatta, 89, formerly of Dover, Ohio died of complications from Alzheimer's Disease early Friday morning, August 23, 2013 at the Emeritus at Lakeview Assisted Living Facility Groveport, Ohio where he had resided over the past three years.

Ernie was a construction worker for the former J.A. Raeder Construction for over 35 years until his retirement.

Ernie was born August 17, 1924 in Dover, Ohio, son of the late Frank and Mary (Tornabene) Lagatta.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Dover Elks, Dover VFW, 40 et 8, American Legion and the Loyal Order of Moose lodge. Over the years, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, and being a part of a championship winning bocce team. In his final days, he was beautifully cared for by the Heartland Hospice.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Leora "Jean" (Harder) Lagatta who died July 18, 1994. He was also preceded by a brother, Louis Lagatta.

He will be sadly missed by his family including four children Brenda (Randy) Riggs of Boylston, MA, Linda (Ron) Hahn of Columbus, Thomas (Jill) Lagatta of Coto de Caza, California, and Frank (Joyce) Lagatta of Columbus, Ohio; six grandchildren Jason Riggs, Jordan (Tian) Riggs, Andrea and Elizabeth Lagatta, Eric and Megan Lagatta and a sister, Alvie O'Brien of Dover.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, August 26, 2013 beginning at 10am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside honors. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover on Sunday from 4-6pm. Christian Wake services will be held Sunday at 5:45pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Ernie may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com