Salvatore Lagana, 91, beloved husband to the love of his life for 65 years, Jennie (Vincenza Fazzino) Lagana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 30, 1933, in Melilli, Sicily, son of the late Vincenzo and Filomena (Didato) Lagana. After leaving Sicily, he became a resident of Middletown, CT. He built a legacy rooted in his heritage, hard work, deep faith, a generous heart, and unwavering love and devotion to his family.
Salvatore began working at a very young age and spent his working years as a dedicated, skilled drywall craftsman, who took great pride in his work. Over the years, he played a key role in building not only his family's and children's homes, but also building lasting memories for his family –there was nothing he couldn't fix or a garden that wouldn't flourish. He loved spending time at the beach and was always the first in the water. He generously volunteered his time for church committees and events, and in retirement, found great joy vacationing with his wife and close friends. Salvatore was a devoted family man, who loved watching football, but his greatest joy came from attending family events and supporting his beloved grandchildren, whom he cherished. He and his wife created a home filled with warmth and love-a testament to their enduring bond and commitment to one another. Salvatore was a devout member of Saint Sebastian's Church and a member of the Middletown Italian Society.
Salvatore is survived by his loving wife, Jennie, three daughters, Linda DelMastro and her husband Louis of Middletown, Maria Morse and her husband Frank of Rocky Hill, and Louise Gauthier and her husband Daniel of Middletown. Salvatore also leaves behind his sister, Antoinette Didato and her husband Joseph of Florida, and his sister-in-law, Josephine Lagana of Wallingford. Salvatore's heart also belongs to his beloved grandchildren, Olivia Palladino and her husband, Brennan, Ava DelMastro, Grace DelMastro, Emma Morse and her husband Tom Dinda, Lillian Morse, Madelyn Morse, Brian Gauthier, and Adam Gauthier. Nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren. Salvatore was predeceased by his sister, Mary Marino, and brothers, Victor Lagana and Joseph Lagana.
Special thanks to Salvatore's caregivers, Vicky, and especially long-time caregiver and friend, Debbie. Sincere thanks to the nurses of Hartford Hospital Hospice Care Unit for all the love and support. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Sebastian Church on Monday, June 9, at 10 A.M. with burial to follow in the family plot in Saint Sebastian Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown, Sunday afternoon, June 8, from 3-5 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Saint Sebastian Renovation Fund.