Ronald J. "Ron" LaVita, of Wakefield, passed away at the Sawtelle Hospice House of Reading, MA surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 2, 2008, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was only 53 years old. Born in Winthrop, MA on May 26, 1955 to Frances T. (Colantuone) LaVita & the late Anthony P. LaVita, he was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School, class of 1974 where he was a tri-captain in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He then graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1978, playing all 4 years on the football team. Mr. LaVita worked as a salesman with the Agar Food Service Company of Taunton, MA for 6 years and was a Wakefield resident for 21 years. Ron loved his family, always doting on his wife and daughter, was a Mr. fix-it man, enjoyed working both at his job and in his garden and caring for his two dogs, Max & Molly. He Refereed basketball in Melrose for the men's over 30 league and the intramural league for over 20 years. Ronald was the devoted husband of Paula M. (Finn) LaVita of Wakefield with whom he shared 25 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Courtney E. LaVita also of Wakefield. Cherished son of Frances T. (Colantuone) LaVita of Saugus & the late Anthony P. LaVita. Caring brother of David LaVita & his wife Karen of Tewksbury, Tony LaVita & his wife Maryjane of Beverly & Joey LaVita & his partner Debbie of Saugus. Much loved son-in-law of James & Mary Finn of Melrose. Special brother-in-law of Karen Keegan of Malden & Joyce Finn of Wakefield. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & 3 great nephews. Special thanks to Wally Bazylinski of Stoneham & Nick Guarino of Wakefield for constant presence throughout Ron's illness. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thurs., Aug. 7th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church Herbert St., Melrose at 10AM. Family & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-9PM. Entombment in Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Donations in Ron's memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS P.O. Box 1052 W. Falmouth, MA 02574. For directions or to sign Ron's guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com