Obituary of Anthony LaGatta, Jr.

P. Anthony LaGatta, Jr., 86, of Blossvale, formerly of Rome, passed away early Saturday morning, September 25, 2021, at Oneida Health Hospital. He was born on March 4, 1935, in Rome, the son of P. Anthony and Ena Rizzuto LaGatta, Sr. Tony was a 1953 graduate of Rome Free Academy. He then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Empire College and his Master’s Degree in Business Management from SUNY Binghamton. In 1955, Tony was drafted into the United States Navy serving his country aboard the USS Hale DD642 until his honorable discharge in 1957. On June 19, 1965, Tony was united in marriage to Eileen Katter in Moulton, OH. Tony was employed as a Grants Manager Specialist for the NYS Dept of Labor, retiring in 2001. He was previously employed by Oneida County as an Adult Probation Officer. He was a former member of St. John the Baptist Church. Tony enjoyed spending his summers at his camp on Pleasant Lake in Brantingham, NY, and his winters in his home in Florida. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Surviving besides his loving wife, Eileen; are his two children, David (Brenda) LaGatta, of Blossvale, and Elizabeth (Keith) Perry, of Adams; three grandchildren, Kimberly LaGatta (fiancé, Peter Mancarella), Noah Perry, and Jeffrey (Paulina) White; three great-grandchildren, Natalia, Emilia, and Liam White; one sister, Ann Menzies, of Syracuse; one brother, Jack LaGatta, of Rome; and several nieces and nephews including a special niece, Susan Waskey, of Argyle, TX. Tony was predeceased by a sister, Lenore Parker. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Holy Trinity Cemetery where Tony will be entombed in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made in Tony’s memory to Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements by Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome. You may light a candle, send a message of sympathy, and read the obituary at www.nunnandharper.com.