Obituary of J. Scott Lavonas

J. Scott Lavonas

LATHAM - Scott Lavonas, 83 of Latham and St. Augustine, FL, husband of Gay (O'Connell) Lavonas, passed away on October 22, 2023

Born in Rochester, NY, on April 7, 1940, he was the son of the late John and Rita (Kastner) Lavonas. He graduated from Irondequoit High School and SUNY-Oswego, earning a master's degree in education. He worked as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor in West Islip and Glen Cove, NY, before moving to Latham in 1970. Scott served as Principal of the Main Avenue School, Assistant Superintendent, and Business Manager of the Wynantskill School District. He retired from the public school system in 1995, becoming Business Manager of the 15-LOVE Program in Albany.

Scott married the love of his life, Gay Lavonas, in 1965. Their wonderful, 58-year marriage produced two sons, Eric (Krista) Lavonas, of Denver, Colorado, and Greg (Tara) Lavonas, of Loudonville, New York, and four grandchildren: Calvin, Lucy, Dylan, and Peter Lavonas. In addition to his parents Scott is predeceased by his brother Mark (late Jane) Lavonas. Gay and Scott split their time between Latham and St. Augustine Beach, Florida.

Scott was an outstanding chef. He created The Ghost in the Kitchen, a private catering business, which he ran through the 1980's and 1990's. He read cookbooks like other people read novels. Scott and Gay were instrumental leaders in the FISH (Friends in Service Helping) program in Colonie, coordinating a team of volunteers to help the elderly and others to attend doctor's visits and other necessary appointments. Scott was a parent-leader in Boy Scout Troop 162, often getting up early to spend weekends in the woods with his sons and others, and later collected food for Unity House. Scott had a good-natured and voluminous sense of humor. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband and committed father who gave far more to his family than he did to himself.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 9:00 to 9:30 AM at the Christ Sun of Justice Parish at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2125 Burdett Ave., Troy. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at 9:30 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to be made to either Christ Sun of Justice Parish at the address above or to Unity House of Troy, 2431 6th Ave, Troy, NY 12180.

Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the care of the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For further information or to leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.