Obituary of Robert F. Lagonegro

Elmira: Age 86, passed away peacefully at Elcor Health Services on Saturday, January 4, 2014. Bob was born in Elmira NY on September 28, 1927 son of Harry J. and Katherine Stapleton Lagonegro. In addition to his parents Bob was predeceased by brothers, Dr. J. Harry Lagonegro, Edward T. (Marion) Lagonegro and Thomas (Virginia) Lagonegro. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Margaret "Maggie" Dean Lagonegro; children, Jerome Lagonegro, Big Flats, J. Timothy Lagonegro, Hong Kong, Betsy and Drew Hill, Windsor NY, Michael Lagonegro, Rochester, Margie and Michael Coar, Hewitt NJ, Andrew and Laura Lagonegro, Elmira; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; sister Katherine Castellino, Elmira; brother William Lagonegro, Plant City FL; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Quinn, Peekskill NY, John and Wanda Dean, Wellsville NY, Helen and Jack Schneble, Tampa FL, Tom and Joann Dean, Chandler AZ, Aurella Dean, Corning, Virginia Dean, San Leandro CA; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends (especially the Poker Club). Bob was a lifelong Elmira resident. He graduated from Elmira Free Academy and Elmira College. After a career at the Elmira Tobacco Company he taught math in the Elmira Heights School District for 22 years where he was known lovingly as "Mr. Lag". Bob loved Elmira, was extremely active in the community and he had a wide range of interests. His past involvements included the Senior Notebook, Arctic League, Pal Program and March Out Hunger. In 2000 Bob was awarded the "Chemung County Citizen of the Year". Bob had a very strong Catholic faith and was an active communicant of St. Patrick's Church. His faith also led him to memberships with the Elmira Knights of Columbus, The Lay Ignations and Ancient Order of Hibernians. Bob loved to sing and to make people laugh. His love for music led him to belong to the Mark Twain Barbershop Chorus, Hibernian Choir and the White Eagles Choir. He also liked to tell corny jokes, especially the "lemon joke". Golf was another passion for Bob and he played every day from April through October. He was proud to get a "hole in one" on two separate occasions. Bob enjoyed travel and the many trips in the US and foreign lands. He was delighted to visit Lagonegro, Italy and Potenza, Italy, the birthplace of his father. With everything Bob was involved with and enjoyed, the most important thing to him was his family. He truly loved family picnics and reunions. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, friend, neighbor, coach and servant to humanity. Those who had the good fortune to know him, knew a person who was kind, good natured, generous and an all-around good man. Bob will be forever loved and missed. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Friday, January 10, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church. Those wishing may remember Bob with donations to The Arctic League, p o Box 113, Elmira NY 14902, The Dominican Monastery, 1310 W. Church Street, Elmira NY 14905 or Rochester Alzheimer's Association, 435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14620. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Lagonegro family would like to extend a special thanks to Father Rick Farrell, Deacon George Welch and the wonderful staff at Elcor Health Services for their compassionate care given to Bob. Officers and member of the A.O.H. will meet at McInerny Funeral Home Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. to conduct a service for our brother Bob. Signed, Jim Palmer, President