Obituary of John LaVada Sr.

John LaVada, Sr, 82 of Mayfield, NY passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2022 in his home surrounded by his family lovingly holding his hands and his beloved dog Lucy faithfully by his side. 

John was born on May 24, 1939, the son of David and Dora (Stoutner) LaVada.

In his early 20's, he met and married the love of his life, Orletta Ropeter, and together they built their forever home and raised a family of four children who adored him more than anything else in the world. Dena LaVada Bohn (John), Jacqueline LaVada Ogden (Greg), John LaVada, Jr (Beth), Joseph LaVada (Jennifer).

Anyone who knew John knew he was the most loving husband, father, grandfather (Pop) and friend a family could ask for. He was unendingly proud of his 11 grandchildren; KatiJo, Gregory, Jillian, Johnny, JaeDee, Jesse, Jennie, Junior, Josie, Sophia and little Maxx as well as his extended family of nieces and nephews. He was always there for them through life's ups and downs and showed them the true meaning of unconditional love. He was just beginning to know his great grandbabies, JaciAnn, Gregory III, Keegan and Tucker.

If you asked 100 people who John LaVada was, they'd all give you a different answer because he was so many things to so many people.

He enjoyed a private life with his wife and family doing anything that included the great outdoors. Fishing, hunting, boating and swimming, camping, swapping, trading, tractors and gardening, Tammy Wynette concerts and ice cream were only a slice of his life's pleasures!

John is survived by his wife, his children and his brother Lawrence.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Vivian, brother David and his twin brother James.

We shall miss him and honor him in our memories every day. A celebration of life picnic under his favorite apple tree in the back yard is planned for the spring.

In the words of our father, “This too will pass".

Arrangements are under the direction of the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St. Gloversville, NY 12078.

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