Daniel Paul LaGasse, 28, of McPherson St., Canastota and formerly of Rome, died Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Rome Memorial Hospital. He was born August 8, 1981 in Rome, New York, the son of Frank R. LaGasse and Jane Boulanger. Daniel graduated from Whitesboro High School in 2000 and received his Associate’s degree from Mohawk Valley and Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport. He worked as a recreational therapist for New York State Mohawk Correctional Facility. Daniel led by example and was greatly respected by his coworkers.
Daniel was incredibly loving and kind to everyone in his life. He had a quiet, caring and sweet personality and was both loved and respected by others. Daniel was a best friend and that special person for many people in his life. He was very close to his family. Daniel loved life and had a contagious energy and spring in his step. He took pride in his physical fitness and loved to play and be challenged. He was a member of the Syracuse Biathlon Club and participated in many sports including biathlons, skiing, climbing the high peaks, baseball, volleyball, bowling, fishing, and hunting. Daniel was a wonderful coach and role model. He coached Varsity Baseball and Cross Country Skiing. Daniel was very proud of his accomplishments.
Daniel is survived by his mother, Jane Barnes and her husband, Ronald, Forestport; his father, Frank R. LaGasse and his wife, Sandra, Rome; the love of his life, Emily Hart, Canastota; maternal grandparents, George and Nancy Boulanger and Ed and Ann Barnes; paternal grandparents, Pat and Ron Turner, Victor Miller and Joyce Harris; a sister, Amy Schmidt and her husband Nick, Stephanie Miller and Rochelle LaGasse; and a brother, Edward Barnes; a nephew, Caden and niece, Kaydence.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Relatives and friends may call at the Prince-Boyd & Hyatt, Home for Funerals, Inc., 210 W. Court Street, Rome, Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Daniel P. LaGasse Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Whitesboro Central School, 67 Whitesboro Street, Yorkville, NY 13495.
