Michael (Mike) F. Lavaia, a resident of New Rochelle, New York passed away on June 19th, 2021 after battling lung cancer.
He was born on June 30, 1933 in Valhalla, New York to the late Frank Lavaia and Fannie Denise of Yonkers, New York.
Michael is preceded in death by his sister Anne Koester, his former wife, Leonora Strandberg and his wife Elise Lavaia of 40 years. Michael is survived by his sister Fanny Lutomski of Hillsdale, New Jersey, daughters, Susan (Randy) Lavaia and Nancy Terzigni of New Milford, Connecticut and his stepchildren Christine (Christopher) Nanos of Stamford, Connecticut, Edward (Jessica) Schneider of Swansboro, North Carolina, and Sandra Schneider of Tamarac, Florida. Additionally, Michael leaves behind a legacy of ten loving grandchildren (Frank Terzigni, Stephen (Nancy) Conway, Chad (Sam) Conway, Anthony DiNota, Michael DiNota, Victoria Couret, Annelise Schneider, Ronan Schneider, Paul Nanos, and Jackson Nanos ) and ten amazing great-grandchildren.
Michael joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was very proud of his country and to have served in the Marines. After his return and for the majority of his career, Michael worked at Sealectro Corporation. After retiring, Michael spent his time with his loving wife Elise visiting with family and friends, hunting, fishing, and woodworking. Michael was a super friendly, caring, warm and humorous husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great friend to all. Throughout his life, Michael had a love for the great outdoors and one of his favorite hobbies was raising and flying homing pigeons. Michael was always keeping busy building something, helping someone or visiting with his nephew Michael in his woodshop or constantly visiting one of his favorite family friends, Frank and Nancy Ranilla or his cousin Tony. He loved to stay busy and in touch with everyone.
Mike will be missed more than one can put into words.
As Mike would always say – Semper Fi.
A service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 23rd at Lloyd Maxcy & Sons Funeral Chapel in New Rochelle, NY
The family welcomes donations to The American Lung Association, VFW Korea Vets or Semper Fi and American’s Fund as an expression of sympathy in honor of Michael instead of flowers.