Louis Francis Fagnani

Louis F. Fagnani, an endearing man to all, peacefully passed January 3, 2015. He was born July 24, 1931 at his family farm house in Mahopac, NY, home to his parents, Carmen Enrico Fagnani and Angelina Vasile. With already six siblings there to greet him with two more to follow, it was a large, loving Italian family, which shaped his values to be caring, grateful and resourceful, but above all to love one another and be happy.

Lou was a beloved husband of 62 years to Patricia (Saxe) Fagnani and a loving father to his three children, Carol (Frank Krempa), Nancy (Scott-deceased) Larsh, and Brian (Christine Docherty) Fagnani; five grandchildren, Vanessa Krempa (Jeffrey Burt), Travis (Holley) Krempa, Alexander Larsh, Brandon Fagnani, and Nathan Fagnani; and two great grandchildren, Samantha Burt and Christina Burt. He loved his siblings, Elsie Whalen of Boston, MA, Enrico Fagnani of Oxford, NY, Rose Tornello of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Attilio Fagnani of Ossining, NY, Anthony Fagnani –deceased, Matthew Fagnani – deceased, Lawrence Fagnani – deceased, and Guido Fagnani – deceased.

Lou’s warm and welcoming presence drew people to him. He genuinely cared and always wanted to help—whatever the task. He loved a challenge and had the drive, perseverance and intelligence to see it though. He was a positive, vibrant force and inspired everyone to move forward, live fully and see beauty.

So it shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that at his retirement party in 2003 he shared these reflective words: “My life was a joyous journey. I never worked a day in my life. Everyone I met, I made my best friend.” Superbly spoken, perfectly lived.

Upon earning his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, he was employed by Cambridge Instrument Company in New York as a medical instrument service technician. He was transferred to Philadelphia, PA at which time he was a young husband and father of two, and motivated to provide for his family. He supplemented his income by selling pots and pans in the evenings and weekends, a job he liked to share with great pride. He always did his very best at everything he engaged in.

Lou was a successful entrepreneur and well-respected businessman. In 1966 he founded Lynn Medical Instrument Company, Inc., which became a national distributorship for medical and cardiovascular equipment and supplies. He was a visionary and welcomed technology, which launched him in the manufacturing business as well.

He embraced life to the fullest. He learned to snow ski with abandonment, taking him to breathtaking mountaintops in Switzerland and Italy. He mastered celestial navigation and sailing, allowing him to gather shipmates and sail to Bermuda and Greece. His love of wine inspired him to learn how to make his own red varietal wine collection. Everything he learned to master he shared his gifts with others. He knew what was important… loving one another, being together, and making wonderful memories… with a great glass of wine.

With glasses raised…

“Vita ben vissuta”, (life well lived), our dear Lou!

Thank you for touching our lives!

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 4-8 p.m. at Elton Black and Sons Funeral Home, 3295 East Highland Rd., Highland, MI 48356, (248) 889-1500. A Catholic funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, 10 a.m. at Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 Harvey Lake Rd., Highland Township, MI 48356. Visitation at church begins at 9 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.