Gilford----Dr. Edward F. LaSala, 83, of 2600 Lake Shore Road #98 died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, April 9, 2012.
Dr. LaSala was born June 15, 1928 in Lynn, Mass., the son of Antonio and Antonetta (Vernava) LaSala. He graduated from Lynn English High School in 1946 and served in the U. S. Army during WWII. He received his BS in 1953, his MS in 1955 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy in 1958 all from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.
Dr. LaSala enjoyed a long and distinguished teaching career at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, rising through the ranks to become Professor of Chemistry and Department Head. He co-authored several publications. He received numerous awards including Teacher of the Year, 1969, Who Who’s in Science, Alumni Achievement Award- the Alumni’s highest honor, College Medal 1991 for extraordinary service to MCP, was honored with several yearbook dedications and received the MCPAHS Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1983-1984. He co-founded Listen, Inc. of Saugus, Mass. and was an instructor of Pharmacology at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital School of Nursing 1966-1975. He was twice elected by the student body to give commencement addresses.
Dr. LaSala was a communicant of St. Joseph Church, Laconia. He was a member of Phi Delta Chi Fraternity, Rho Chi Honor Society, American Chemical Society, the Massachusetts Drug Formulary Commission, Lake Shore Park Association, and the Thompson Ames Historical Society.
Dr. LaSala loved western movies, woodworking, caning chairs, cooking, antiquing, working with Habitat for Humanity, all kinds of music, especially the Boston Pops and patriotic tunes, outdoor concerts, wind jamming cruises, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include a son, Ted LaSala, and his wife, Kim, of Saugus, Mass.; daughters, Patricia J. “Trish” Valovanie and her husband, Michael, of Gilford, N.H., Suzanne F. Nestor and her husband, Jimmy, of Swampscott, Mass., Ann T. Saulnier and her husband, William, of Gilford; a son-in-law, Michael Hardy of Gilford; grandchildren, Sean Valovanie and wife, Lorienne, Katie Valovanie, Jaimie, James “Buddy” and Justin Nestor, Jesse, Marc and Timothy LaSala, Matthew and Hannah Saulnier; great grandchildren, Jennah and Ellen Valovanie; a dear friend, Mary Janik, and devoted caregivers. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ellen Therese (McNulty) LaSala, a daughter, Maryellen (LaSala) Hardy, and a grandson, Benjamin L. Saulnier.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 5:00PM-8:00PM and on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 9:30AM-10:30AM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:00AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, N.H.
Burial will follow in the family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery, Gilford, N.H.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Recreation Fund, 406 Court Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or to the VA Medical Center, Attn: Volunteer Services, 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, N.H. 03104.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.