Edward Joseph Lagrutta Sr.

Ed spent his early years spending time with many aunts, uncles, and cousins at his grandparents farm in Los Banos. Ed being the oldest of the clan, was deemed the patriarch of them all. Music was his love at a very early age and started with the saxophone. He continued studying at Fresno State College and graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Before he graduated, he joined the Air National Guard and served for six years in the 144th Division in Fresno, CA. He also started a band called the Stardusters that played various venues in the Fresno area including Ducey's Lodge. While attending Fresno State, he met the love of his life, Barbara Rajskup, and they were married in July of 1961. They eventually settled in Visalia, and started their life with a new job, new house, and a son.

Ed taught junior high band at Ivanhoe, Green Acres, and Valley Oak schools for 36 years. His bands were very successful, rating superior most of the time. He was honored being selected as the Grand Marshall of the Eighth Annual Visalia Band Review. He loved his job and did it well.

Ed enjoyed his life with family and friends. This included outings with the wine group, playing with the COS Monday Night Jazz Band, the Valley Echo Swing band, hunting and fishing, trips to Shaver and Cayucos, and watching his grandsons play baseball. Even though Ed was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1990, he continued to be active in music and with family and friends throughout his life.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Josephine Lagrutta; as well as his infant children, John Michael, and Gina Marie.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 56 years; his son and daughter-in-law, Edward Jr. and Kathleen; and his grandsons, Anthony and Alex. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jim Rajskup; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family wants to thank Stephanie, Kayla, Gladys, Olivia, Tish, and staff from Auspice; his doctors from UCSF, Fresno and Visalia for the excellent care that Ed received during his years with Parkinson's.

Visitation will be held at Miller Chapel in Visalia, CA, on Monday, May 21, 2018, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia, CA on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to UCSF Movement Disorder Clinic, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145; or Kaweah Delta Hospice, 623 W. Willow Ave., Visalia, CA 93291.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel.