Lawrence T. Lagatol

Lawrence T. Lagatol, 92, of Toms River, NJ, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at home. Larry was born in Teaneck,NJ, and grew up in Bogota, NJ. He attended St. Joseph's Elementary School in Bogota, then went on to St. Joseph's School for the Deaf in the Bronx, NY. After graduating, Larry worked for many years as a floral designer in Bergen County. He then rounded out his employment career working in commercial lighting for the Kurt Versen Company in Westwood. Upon retirement, Larry moved to the shore to spend all of his time at his favorite place, his beach home. There he established relationships with so many, and was often referred to as the "mayor" of the beach. All enjoyed the flowers that bloomed heartily on his deck, and the smile that Larry greeted them with as they stopped by to chat. Locally, Larry was an active member of The Deaf Senior Citizens' Club of Ocean County and the Ocean Deaf Club, Inc. There Larry enjoyed spending time with friends at meetings, luncheons and card games. He also had a lot of fun over the years playing the NJ Lottery and gifting lottery tickets to friends and family. He took great joy when any of his friends or family scratched victorious! Larry will be remembered by all as a kind, giving gentleman who brought a smile to the faces of all who met and knew him. His warm smile, gentle personality, and sparkling blue eyes will be missed by all.

Larry was predeceased by his parents Guy and Catherine Lagatol of Bogota, his older brother Lawrence and older sisters Catherine Mayher (Vincent), Annette Kandrotas (Constantine) and his nephew, Robert Kandrotas.

Larry is survived by his nephews Richard Mayher (Steve Kovac) of Medford, NJ, Vincent Mayher (Elaine) of Mount Laurel, NJ, his niece Catherine Mayher of Medford, NJ, 3 great nieces Lauren Brown (Ian), Kristin Wheelersburg (Hans), Megan Carew (Stephen), 2 great great nephews Malcolm Brown and Landon Carew, and a great great niece Simone Brown. Also surviving Larry are his cousins Fr. Jonathan Morse (Kathy deceased) of Belcamp, MD, his children Justin Morse and Charlanne Herold (Martin) and her children, Juliet and Josephine.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Larry's life for a visitation on Monday, February 26 from 2-5 at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, NJ and Tuesday, February 27 from 10- 10:30 (visitation) and 10:30 (mass) at The Church of St. Joan of Arc, 100 Willow Bend Rd., Marlton NJ. Interment will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery on Camden Ave. in Moorestown.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The St. Joseph School for the Deaf, 100 Hutchinson River Parkway, Bronx, NY 10465-- website sjsdny.org.