Obituary of John L. LaGasse

John Lawrence LaGasse, 60, passed away August 21, 2011 with his family by his side at his home in Green Valley, AZ. He was born February 25, 1951 in Canandaigua, NY to Marianne (Kirschstein) LaGasse. A longtime resident of Sodus, NY, John worked for the family business, John A. LaGasse & Son service station before beginning a career as an Electric Lineman - a job he truly loved - with Rochester Gas & Electric for 26 years. John fell in love with the desert, and after moving to Arizona he continued to do line work with Trico Electric Cooperative for an additional 9 years. Helping others in need was an important part of John’s life. He did so as an active member of the Sodus Fire Department for 32 years, serving for a time as its President and as Chief. He also served as a Commissioner for the Wallington Fire District for a number of years. He enjoyed camping on Lake Ontario with his wife Linda and annual canoe trips to the Adirondack Mountains with his son, brothers and friends. John was generous to his family, friends, and community with his many skills and he accomplished anything he put his mind to. John was predeceased by his father, Roger E. LaGasse. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 40 years, Linda R. (Featherly), son Mark (Claire), mother Marianne, brothers Patrick (Linda L.), Jeffry (Diane), Edward (Karen), Andrew (Jackie), Steven, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Friday, September 2 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Norton Funeral Home, 45 West Main St., Sodus, NY. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church, 31 West Main St., Sodus, NY, followed by a gravesite committal service at the Sodus Rural Cemetery. A celebration of John’s life will follow at the Wallington Fire Dept., 7863 Ridge Rd., Wallington, NY. The hall will be open to visitors after 12 p.m. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Sodus Fire Dept., Wallington Fire Dept., or the Animal League in Green Valley, AZ.