Shirley Reid Lagattuta, 91 of Holmdel passed away on January 21st, surrounded by her family. Shirley was born in New York City and raised in Ridgefield Park, NJ. Following high school, Shirley worked as an Administrative Assistant at AT&T in Manhattan. One night at a CYO dance, Shirley would meet the love of her life, …
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Shirley Reid Lagattuta, 91 of Holmdel passed away on January 21st, surrounded by her family.
Shirley was born in New York City and raised in Ridgefield Park, NJ. Following high school, Shirley worked as an Administrative Assistant at AT&T in Manhattan. One night at a CYO dance, Shirley would meet the love of her life, Russ, and the two were married in 1952. They began their family in Hackensack, NJ but shortly after settled in Holmdel where they would raise their six daughters. Shirley was Secretary of Holmdel Recreation Commission for many years and she and her husband were active members in their community and St. Catharine’s Church in Holmdel.
Shirley loved music! Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett were her favorites. She was a Big Band enthusiast, dancing the lindy with her daughters, brother, sister and anyone else in the room! She also liked working with her hands – anything from sewing and quilting to the beautiful vegetable and flower gardens she tended to for so many years. She and her husband would enjoy antiquing, trips to Cape May, Sandy Hook, and their family vacations to Cape Cod. In later years, some of her grandchildren’s fondest memories would be sleepovers at Grammy’s house with sherbet for dessert!
Shirley is predeceased by her husband Russ Lagattuta and her son-in-law Neil Snyder.
Shirley is survived by her children Diane Lagattuta, Donna Snyder of Brick, Doreen and her husband Steve Berson of Brick, Denise Lagattuta of Kinnelon, Debra and her husband David Luchsinger of New Hampshire, and Deirdre Lagattuta Kane of Freehold, her grandchildren Richard, Alyson, Christina, Tommy, Nicole and Megan, and her great grandchildren Reid, Brandon and Ethan. She is also survived by her brother Bill Reid and his wife Rose of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her sister Lynn Hassler and her husband Frank of Barrington, Illinois.
The family is most grateful for the compassionate care Sara, Anna and Debbie gave to “Miss Shirley”.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 26th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 27th at 10:30 AM at the Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. A burial will follow at Holmdel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org.
To leave a message of condolence or share a favorite memory please visit Shirley’s page a www.holmdelfuneralhome.com
Alice Perry
left a message on April 13, 2020:
I knew Shirley and Russ many years ago at Saint Benedict’s CYO when I directed one-act plays competing with other CYO‘s in the diocese. We became great friends at that time but lost contact over the years as we moved out of Matawan. Shirley and Russ were the most kind, generous and outgoing people I’ve ever known. They’re strong faith and beautiful family were an inspiration to so many others. They were also willing to fight and speak out for what was right. I always admired their courage..
It’s very strange but just last night I thought about Shirley and Russ when I was praying for all those who had such a great influence on my life. I was compelled to look them up. I was so sad to read of their deaths. Please except my condolences to all the Family. Shirley and Russ’s friendship was very dear to me and I wish we had kept up that friendship all these years. I will continue to pray for them every day because they certainly did influence me and my family in many ways.
Pat Browne
left a message on February 8, 2020:
Dear Deb,
The loss of a parent is so difficult. I know your faith is strong and you know that she is now praising the Lord for all eternity and singing with the angels where there is no pain and no sadness. I pray that the love of family and friends at this time will help you with your grieving process with the comfort of knowing how much your Mom was loved and admired. I think i would have liked her too, we both loved Frank Sinatra!
God bless you at this very sad time. all my love to you and Dave.
Barbara Roggy Sheppard
left a message on January 26, 2020:
I grew up knowing your Mom and will always remember her beautiful smile and happy , fun disposition. She always had a kind word and would make me feel welcome and loved. She will be missed by so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers . May all of your wonderful memories of her make you smile at this very difficult time.
Oxox
Barb
Sr, Pat
left a message on January 26, 2020:
I will always remember you mother’s smiling face. She was a doll.
Sr. Pat
Laura Fondy
left a message on January 25, 2020:
Debbie, Dave, and all the Lagattutas, sending love and sincerest sympathy to all of you. I will always have fond memories of your sweet mom.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Fay lods
left a message on January 25, 2020:
I met Shirley when she came to my home with Renee kojola to help make lap quilts for the Telephone Pioneers of America - a volunteer group sponsored by AT&T. Shirley became a Pioneer Partner, and helped make lap quilts that were donated to the elderly, to the infirmed, and to nursing home residents. Shirley’s dedicated volunteer work helped the Pioneer Lap Quilt project win a Congressional Award from Congressman Roe for making over 5,000 Quilts. All quilts that Shirley worked on had her creative signature.
Her signature work was the quilted rendition of the New York Skyline - it was a work to behold!
Shirley, may you be held in the arms of the Good Lord. My condolences to Shirley’s daughters. RIP, FAy Lods
Rosita Cornejo
left a message on January 25, 2020:
My condolences to the Lagatutta family. I am honored to have known Shirley Lagatutta.
I will always remember Mrs Lagatutta’s beautiful smile and beautiful outlook on life.
She will live on in her children and her children’s children.
Marge Wallwork
left a message on January 25, 2020:
Dear Deb & Family,
Please accept our truly deepest sympathy on the passing our your mom. Our prayers for her eternal rest in peace. Love Marge & Rich
Ariana Luchsinger
left a message on January 25, 2020:
I was so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was a wonderful woman and I'm glad to have known her. Sending you all love and support during this time.
Sincerely,
Ariana
Thomas Van Hook
left a message on January 24, 2020:
Everyone - My cousin Shirley was an important part of my family and loved by everyone for her caring demeanor and kindness. In many conversations we shared our mutual interest in water gardening exchanging ideas and thoughts. My mother and Shirley were very close and she was always by my mothers side when she was ill despite making the trip from Holmdel. At both my mothers and fathers funerals she delivered the most eloquent eulogies. Her Uncle George ( my grandfather ) on many occasions recalled fond memories of Shirley growing up and staying overnight at his home and then going boating the next day. I remember all the wonderful times at the Cape when Shirley and her family would visit. I cannot express how much I will miss her. I know she is in a better place with Uncle Russ, Mom, Dad, Gary and and her beloved Uncle George. Tom Van Hook
John Martinelli
left a message on January 24, 2020:
Dianne Deepest condolences to you and entire family. Your mom was such a lovely person in every way. I consider myself and family lucky to experience her kindness. May God bless her and keep her in his light. . Johnny
Susan(Lagattuta)Funaro
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Heartfelt condolences to entire family. So many wonderful memories of Lagattuta family reunions with your Dad & Mom and later on, with Mom & Diane in Las Vegas. Shirley was a sweet, beautiful, fun-loving soul who will be greatly missed by all who knew & loved her. May she RIP in Gods' loving arms, re-united with your Dad at last.
Catherine Del Colliano
left a message on January 23, 2020:
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley was a warm and caring person with a wonderful smile. She always made everybody feel welcome. I remember when she visited our lake house for a few years with Joellyn, and Aunt Helen. We had so much fun. She even tried kayaking and made us take her picture to prove she did it. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Love, Cathy and Art Del Colliano
Mario Flores
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Lagattuta Fam, My prayers are with you God I am sure has a wonderful place for your Mom. Finally, she is with Mr. Lagattuta and both are in a better place. 66
Jimmy Falk
left a message on January 23, 2020:
On behalf of the entire Falk family we’d like to express our condolences on the passing of your Mom. Even tho our family’s have forked in life so many years ago our humble beginnings will be etched in our memories forever. Our trips to Hasbrouck Heights, Holmdel and of course your trips to Syracuse will be forever held in each and everyone of us. The family values the Lagattuta family instilled in each and everyone of us has carried us to this point today. Your Mom was one of the sweatest,kind and loving people I’ve ever known, she will be missed. Death leaves a headache no one can heal ... love leaves a memory no one can steal. R.I.P. Aunt Shirley and please give my best to Uncle Russ
Love,
Jimmy and Lori Falk
Carol Dye
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Our condolences on the passing of your Mother/Grandmother. So many fond memories of family get togethers over the years with Shirley. She always had a smile on her face and really enjoyed being with all of us. With heartfelt sympathy, Carol and Jim
Judi Farwell
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Deepest condolences to the Lagattuta “girls” from the Smith “girls”
Bill Lagattuta and Vera Watson
left a message on January 23, 2020:
I heard of Shirley’s passing from my sister yesterday and thought Shirley was one of the Lagattutas that would live on and on. Always smiling and wanting to know how Vera, Luke and I were doing way out in New Mexico. She will be missed here on earth but Russ will sure be glad to see her.
Joellyn Belhumer
left a message on January 22, 2020:
Shirley was such a special lady. She and I shared many ideas and pictures of our quilting projects. She will be missed by many.
Sara
left a message on January 22, 2020:
To My Dear Mother, Diane Lagattuta, given by heart and love. I am so pained to hear of your loss, I cant imagine the hurt you must have inside. However, I believe in an after life and the peace that comes with it. I wish your mother is soaring and finding peace in her journey home. May her soul find solace in the arms of her Maker. May she blossom and continue to bring love and spark joy in your heart. I love you very much.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Alice Perry
left a message on April 13, 2020:
I knew Shirley and Russ many years ago at Saint Benedict’s CYO when I directed one-act plays competing with other CYO‘s in the diocese. We became great friends at that time but lost contact over the years as we moved out of Matawan. Shirley and Russ were the most kind, generous and outgoing people I’ve ever known. They’re strong faith and beautiful family were an inspiration to so many others. They were also willing to fight and speak out for what was right. I always admired their courage..
It’s very strange but just last night I thought about Shirley and Russ when I was praying for all those who had such a great influence on my life. I was compelled to look them up. I was so sad to read of their deaths. Please except my condolences to all the Family. Shirley and Russ’s friendship was very dear to me and I wish we had kept up that friendship all these years. I will continue to pray for them every day because they certainly did influence me and my family in many ways.
Pat Browne
left a message on February 8, 2020:
Dear Deb,
The loss of a parent is so difficult. I know your faith is strong and you know that she is now praising the Lord for all eternity and singing with the angels where there is no pain and no sadness. I pray that the love of family and friends at this time will help you with your grieving process with the comfort of knowing how much your Mom was loved and admired. I think i would have liked her too, we both loved Frank Sinatra!
God bless you at this very sad time. all my love to you and Dave.
Barbara Roggy Sheppard
left a message on January 26, 2020:
I grew up knowing your Mom and will always remember her beautiful smile and happy , fun disposition. She always had a kind word and would make me feel welcome and loved. She will be missed by so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers . May all of your wonderful memories of her make you smile at this very difficult time.
Oxox
Barb
Sr, Pat
left a message on January 26, 2020:
I will always remember you mother’s smiling face. She was a doll.
Sr. Pat
Laura Fondy
left a message on January 25, 2020:
Debbie, Dave, and all the Lagattutas, sending love and sincerest sympathy to all of you. I will always have fond memories of your sweet mom.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Fay lods
left a message on January 25, 2020:
I met Shirley when she came to my home with Renee kojola to help make lap quilts for the Telephone Pioneers of America - a volunteer group sponsored by AT&T. Shirley became a Pioneer Partner, and helped make lap quilts that were donated to the elderly, to the infirmed, and to nursing home residents. Shirley’s dedicated volunteer work helped the Pioneer Lap Quilt project win a Congressional Award from Congressman Roe for making over 5,000 Quilts. All quilts that Shirley worked on had her creative signature.
Her signature work was the quilted rendition of the New York Skyline - it was a work to behold!
Shirley, may you be held in the arms of the Good Lord. My condolences to Shirley’s daughters. RIP, FAy Lods
Rosita Cornejo
left a message on January 25, 2020:
My condolences to the Lagatutta family. I am honored to have known Shirley Lagatutta.
I will always remember Mrs Lagatutta’s beautiful smile and beautiful outlook on life.
She will live on in her children and her children’s children.
Marge Wallwork
left a message on January 25, 2020:
Dear Deb & Family,
Please accept our truly deepest sympathy on the passing our your mom. Our prayers for her eternal rest in peace. Love Marge & Rich
Ariana Luchsinger
left a message on January 25, 2020:
I was so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was a wonderful woman and I'm glad to have known her. Sending you all love and support during this time.
Sincerely,
Ariana
Thomas Van Hook
left a message on January 24, 2020:
Everyone - My cousin Shirley was an important part of my family and loved by everyone for her caring demeanor and kindness. In many conversations we shared our mutual interest in water gardening exchanging ideas and thoughts. My mother and Shirley were very close and she was always by my mothers side when she was ill despite making the trip from Holmdel. At both my mothers and fathers funerals she delivered the most eloquent eulogies. Her Uncle George ( my grandfather ) on many occasions recalled fond memories of Shirley growing up and staying overnight at his home and then going boating the next day. I remember all the wonderful times at the Cape when Shirley and her family would visit. I cannot express how much I will miss her. I know she is in a better place with Uncle Russ, Mom, Dad, Gary and and her beloved Uncle George. Tom Van Hook
John Martinelli
left a message on January 24, 2020:
Dianne Deepest condolences to you and entire family. Your mom was such a lovely person in every way. I consider myself and family lucky to experience her kindness. May God bless her and keep her in his light. . Johnny
Susan(Lagattuta)Funaro
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Heartfelt condolences to entire family. So many wonderful memories of Lagattuta family reunions with your Dad & Mom and later on, with Mom & Diane in Las Vegas. Shirley was a sweet, beautiful, fun-loving soul who will be greatly missed by all who knew & loved her. May she RIP in Gods' loving arms, re-united with your Dad at last.
Catherine Del Colliano
left a message on January 23, 2020:
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley was a warm and caring person with a wonderful smile. She always made everybody feel welcome. I remember when she visited our lake house for a few years with Joellyn, and Aunt Helen. We had so much fun. She even tried kayaking and made us take her picture to prove she did it. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Love, Cathy and Art Del Colliano
Mario Flores
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Lagattuta Fam, My prayers are with you God I am sure has a wonderful place for your Mom. Finally, she is with Mr. Lagattuta and both are in a better place. 66
Jimmy Falk
left a message on January 23, 2020:
On behalf of the entire Falk family we’d like to express our condolences on the passing of your Mom. Even tho our family’s have forked in life so many years ago our humble beginnings will be etched in our memories forever. Our trips to Hasbrouck Heights, Holmdel and of course your trips to Syracuse will be forever held in each and everyone of us. The family values the Lagattuta family instilled in each and everyone of us has carried us to this point today. Your Mom was one of the sweatest,kind and loving people I’ve ever known, she will be missed. Death leaves a headache no one can heal ... love leaves a memory no one can steal. R.I.P. Aunt Shirley and please give my best to Uncle Russ
Love,
Jimmy and Lori Falk
Carol Dye
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Our condolences on the passing of your Mother/Grandmother. So many fond memories of family get togethers over the years with Shirley. She always had a smile on her face and really enjoyed being with all of us. With heartfelt sympathy, Carol and Jim
Judi Farwell
left a message on January 23, 2020:
Deepest condolences to the Lagattuta “girls” from the Smith “girls”
Bill Lagattuta and Vera Watson
left a message on January 23, 2020:
I heard of Shirley’s passing from my sister yesterday and thought Shirley was one of the Lagattutas that would live on and on. Always smiling and wanting to know how Vera, Luke and I were doing way out in New Mexico. She will be missed here on earth but Russ will sure be glad to see her.
Joellyn Belhumer
left a message on January 22, 2020:
Shirley was such a special lady. She and I shared many ideas and pictures of our quilting projects. She will be missed by many.
Sara
left a message on January 22, 2020:
To My Dear Mother, Diane Lagattuta, given by heart and love. I am so pained to hear of your loss, I cant imagine the hurt you must have inside. However, I believe in an after life and the peace that comes with it. I wish your mother is soaring and finding peace in her journey home. May her soul find solace in the arms of her Maker. May she blossom and continue to bring love and spark joy in your heart. I love you very much.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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