The Life of TONY ATTANASIO LUIGI LAVIA
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.>>
