Louis C. Laghi

Laghi, Louis C. 74, died Friday June 19th, at St. Petersburg General Hospital. The youngest child of immigrant parents Guilio and Maria Laghi, he was born in Norristown, PA and moved to Florida in 1954. He is survived by his beloved wife Vivian A. Laghi, his six children-David, Judy, Mary Jo, Rebecca, Laura, Rachel, and his brother Sandy Laghi. He was "Papa" to his eight grandchildren-Dominic, Rosanna, Benjamin, Thomas, Shaina, Laurel, Elysia, Bella, and his two great grandchildren-Dominic and Giovanni. After serving his military duty in Germany during the Cold War years, Louis returned to Florida to work in construction and then began his career as a realtor with John Cyrus Realty. For over 15 years he was the owner of Marian Realty. During this time he was part owner of Marinari's International House of Gourmet Foods. After leaving the real estate business he became an advocate of the Guardian Ad Litem program for approximately 10 years. Louis was an avid sports enthusiast and shared his love of sports with children of all ages. He coached the Boca Ciega Pirates of Pasadena Little League for 13 years. Although he loved to watch all sports, his real love was Notre Dame football which he supported and never missed. A devout Roman Catholic, Lou was a former parishioner of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Gulfport and most recently of Holy Cross Catholic Church. He demonstrated his faith as a daily communicant, a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His other church activities included responsibility for the Fatima Statue of the Blessed Mother, opening Holy Cross church each morning, and participation in Cursillo. Throughout Lou's life, he selflessly worked with a variety of charitable causes such as PARC, coached a handicapped basketball team, and assisted those in need in his community. Lou will truly be missed. There will be a viewing from 5PM-8PM, and a service at 7:30PM with a Rosary to follow on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes, 7820 - 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, with a Catholic Mass held at 10:00AM on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.