Tony Lavia
January 01, 2012
Tony Lavia, 89, was born October 25, 1922, in Des Moines, the son of Italian immigrants Frank D. and Natalina E. (Greco) Lavia. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, January 1, 2012, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.
Tony was an Army Veteran of World War II, proudly serving his country in the European Theater. He retired from Bridgestone/Firestone after 38 years of faithful service. Tony was a loyal supporter of Dowling Catholic High School, especially when it came to athletics.
Tony is survived by his wife, Karen Lavia; children, Tony Lavia, Chris (Cindy) Lavia, Angie (Butch) Rodenkirk, Nanette LaVia, Lucretia Cheatham, Vanessa (Jim) Farrell, Melissa (Steve) Sents, Matthew LaVia, David LaVia and their mother, Lois LaVia; step-children, Shelly DuBois and Bryan (Angie) DuBois; sister, Rose Marie (Jim) Williams; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; nephew, Chuck Young; nieces, Natalie Emamian and Lisa Leslie; other loving relatives and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2012, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2012, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, where a rosary will be recited at 5 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dowling Catholic High School Athletic Department or Mercy Hospice Johnston.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Greg Tilghman
01/05/2012
To Tony's family , he was a great man and will be missed by our whole Perkins staff, our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Greg and the Perkins Team
Russ and Jane Beebe
01/05/2012
Lucretia and family:
Our deepest sympathy to you and family. Much love and prayers to each of you.
Tena Nelson
01/05/2012
My Deepest Sympathies to Tony's family....My Thoughts & Prayers are with all of you at this time.
Nancy Carter
01/04/2012
Dear Melissa, Steve and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the passing of your father. May you find your comfort and encouragement in the mercy God gives you during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Nancy Carter
George Roberts
01/04/2012
O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayers that the gates of paradise may be opened for your servant. In our turn, may we too be comforted by the words of faith until we greet Christ in glory and we are united with you and our departed.
Through Christ, our Lord, Amen.
May you rest in peace, Your Godson George and wife Jan
Lucretia
01/04/2012
Dad, I love you and will miss you so much. You have been an awesome father and have always been there for each of us. You gave so much of your time, love, understanding, guidance, smiles and so much more. To The World You Are One Person.......But To Us You Are The World. You were such a fine Christian man and Thank You for being such a good example. I love you!!!
Don and Pauline Steinbach
01/04/2012
Our sincere condolences go out to the Lavia family. We will miss not seeing him at Sunday morning mass. Our prayers go out to the family.The Steinbach family.
Julie L. Worden
01/04/2012
Melissa-with heartfelt sympathy to you & all of the family & friends who love & miss your dad and have so valued his presnce in their lives. May Christ's strength and love uphold you at this time-Your friend, Julie
Paulette Steinbach Ihrig
01/03/2012
My deepest sympathy to the LaVia family. Mr. LaVia will always hold a special place in my heart as one who was always giving to his children. I thank him for the many special opportunities he provided me as a child in going to dances and events during my grade school days. He will be deeply missed by all.