Thomas Frederick Lasitter

Thomas Frederick Lasitter, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of Jacksonville, passed away on January 22, 2024. Tom, as he was known to many in the area, was born October 30, 1924 to Thomas Taylor Lasitter and Elizabeth (Colligan) Lasitter. He enlisted in the Army as soon as he graduated high school. As a private, he entered service at Fort Lee, Virginia, served in the Quartermaster Corps, saw action in Europe and had many amazing stories of his service.

He was a survivor of Exercise Tiger (The Battle of Lyme Bay) April 1944, when his ship was torpedoed and sunk during Top Secret preparations for the Normandy Invasion. He heroically aided in the rescue of countless sailors and soldiers in the icy waters off Devon, England. He turned down commendations for his heroism but was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries during the battle and the many subsequent hours in the elements afterwards.

He fought hard to get to his unit to serve in the upcoming battles for Europe. He arrived at Normandy on D+2 (June 8, 1944) and assisted with the logistics efforts to liberate Europe. He served there until February of 1945 when he was told that he had enough points to go home.

Shortly after returning to the US via New York City, he was stationed in Brooksville, FL where he met the love of his life, Hazel. They were married in 1945 and moved to New Bern, NC. He was a fireman at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station before moving back to Brooksville and Tampa, ultimately moving to Jacksonville, FL.

Thomas and Hazel had three sons and two daughters together. He worked as a printer in the local paper in Brooksville along with his son Michael Lasitter. He continued work as a printer until he was in his 70s. Hazel and Thomas enjoyed touring the US in their RV and spending time with their children and grandchildren. He was a founding member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church where he served as an usher for decades.

Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; his parents; siblings; his son, Fred; daughter, Eileen; and son, Michael. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ann (Jimmy) Lee and his son, Bill; as well as eleven grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Lake Lindsey Cemetery, 22371 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville, FL 34601.