Condolences and Reflections for
Daniel H. LaGratta, 41
Cumberland, MD
U.S. Post Office
7/26/01
"Another Angel in Heaven way too soon..."
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some stay for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts,
and we are never, ever the same."
What wonderful luck for our family that Dan was part of it!
I will be forever sad and angry that he is gone, but I am so very thankful that he was my brother-in law.
Susan Hensel <smtp:henses@co.mo.md.us>
germantown, md USA - Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at 10:15:24 (PST)
Yes Joel, you are right. Your dad was the coolest and neatest man in the world. *smile* And now he's probably the coolest dude in heaven. Take care of your mom. She's being strong because she has to be, but she needs lots of love from you and Jessie right now. Love you all, Lois (I work with your mom)
Lois Wade <lawade@hormail.com>
Swanton, MD USA - Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at 16:02:09 (PST)
No one knows why God chose dad to die.I've heard a lot of people ask that question.Dad would not of died if he had anything to do with it.I know that because I am his son Joel.He was the best dad in the world.He always told me to say he was "the coolest and neatest man in the world".And that is what he was.
Joel LaGratta <jlagratta@hotmail.com>
Cumberland, MD USA - Sunday, November 18, 2001 at 08:56:50 (PST)
I got to know Dan at the Cumberland post office. I mail alot of my buisness mail from there, and Dan was a easy man to get to know.
I watch people working with the public get really upset at the often "Rudeness" of the public. Dan always looked at the humoress side.
About 6 months ago, a older woman aproached dan's station for service. Dan politely asked, how are you today? "Her Reply" What are you my doctor or something......
I observed Dan after she left...he took it with humor. After that, I went to the counter, and Dan asked....how are you today, I replied...what are you my doctor or something.....Dan cracked up.
I think Dan was a good reason to go in the Post Office....he had a special gift....his humor made the post office a great place .
I will miss Dan...and I pray the best for his family.
Mike Wilhelm <wilhelmagency@juno.com>
Lonaconing, Md USA - Monday, October 01, 2001 at 20:50:47 (PDT)
Our sympathies and prayers go out to the LaGratta family. Lynn and I both graduated with Dan, and we have very fond memories of those days that now seem to be so long ago. Over the past few years, our family has truly enjoyed spending time with Dan at the Ravens games, and it just won't be the same this season. I know how much Dan loved those Sunday afternoons.
We will cheerish those memories forever, and if there is ever anything we can do for anyone while you're down in the Balt/Wash area, please don't hesitate to call on us. Our heartfelt prayers will be with you always!
In god speed,
Todd, Lynn, Christopher, Tyler, and Zach Martin
Todd and Lynn Martin <todd_martin@merck.com>
Cumberland, MD USA - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 06:49:40 (PDT)
Dear Nancy, words can not express my heartfelt sympathy for you and your beautiful children. Upon visiting my sister in Grantsville, I was shocked to learn of Dan's passing. I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. Dan was one of the first people I met upon working at the Cumberland Post Office, and he always knew how to make me laugh. Dan has been the only friend that kept in touch w/ me (via e-ml) since I left to work in Glenwood--that really says a lot of who your true friends really are and what kind of person Dan was. I do know that he loved you and the children so! He would always give candy to my nephew Ryan, and stamp *spoiled* on his hand. Ryan was sad to learn of his passing (now six). I don't have much to give, but if there is anything that I can do, please let me know. Here's a hug from me to you. God bless, Robin Bender
Robin Bender <rsbender@yahoo.com>
Glenwood, MD USA - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 14:26:16 (PDT)
Dear Nancy, words can not express my heartfelt sympathy for you and your beautiful children. Upon visiting my sister in Grantsville, I was shocked to learn of Dan's passing. I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. Dan was one of the first people I met upon working at the Cumberland Post Office, and he always knew how to make me laugh. Dan has been the only friend that kept in touch w/ me (via e-ml) since I left to work in Glenwood--that really says a lot of who your true friends really are and what kind of person Dan was. I do know that he loved you and the children so! He would always give candy to my nephew Ryan, and stamp *spoiled* on his hand. Ryan was sad to learn of his passing (now six). I don't have much to give, but if there is anything that I can do, please let me know. Here's a hug from me to you. God bless, Robin Bender
Robin Bender <rsbender@yahoo.com>
Glenwood, MD USA - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 14:25:21 (PDT)
Dear LaGratta Family members, I feel as though your family has been
a part of me for a long time--I have watched the kids grow from little
babies and always enjoyed the pictures that you sent to me and made me
continue to be a part of their growth process. I kept in contact with the
kids through Uncle Joe and I hope and pray that they will continue to be
healthy and happy even after this terrible loss. Take care and know that
I am only a phone call away if you need help in any way. After attending
the memorial service yesterday, I KNOW that you have a wonderful network
of friends, and believe me, that is so important at a time like this--but
always says that you and Dan cultivated it and it says alot about both
of you!! Take very good care... Debbie Grimm
Debbie Grimm <grimedy@hereintown.net>
Cumberland, Md USA - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 08:38:50 (PDT)
To the Family,Friends and co-workers of Mr LaGratta, we send our
deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you. God Bless. Mary Frogue
Mary Frogue <SICILLIANGAL@AOL.COM>
Riverside, Ca USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 15:37:45 (PDT)
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ray, John and Peter. David was an inspiration
to those he worked with by the way he dedicated himself to the fire service.
He will not be forgotten by those whose lives he touched. Where ever you
are now David, may God keep you and bless you
kate stewart <klmac@wam.umd.edu>
USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 07:38:56 (PDT)
Dan was person who always had the time to stop and talk to you.
He made everyone feel important.I will miss that great smile.
zump <ez1@hereintown.net>
frostburg, md USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 07:35:58 (PDT)
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ray, John and Peter. David was an inspiration
to others by the way he dedicated himself to the fire service. He will
not be forgotten by all those whose lives he touched. David, where ever
you are now, may God keep you and bless you.
kate stewart <klmac@wam.umd.edu>
college park, md USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 07:34:45 (PDT)
Dan was person who always had the time to stop and to you. He made
everyone feel important
zump <ez1@hereintown.net>
frostburg, md USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 07:30:56 (PDT)
We met Dan just once a couple of years ago when he was nice enough
to help our middle school football team get started by donating some spare
shoulder pads. We wanted to say to his family that he must have been quite
a special man, and it's terrific to see how much pride he had in his family.
His obituary was a wonderful tribute to the many lives he has touched.
Please know there are many who share your sorrow, and be assured that many
will remember his kindnesses and his leadership...he truly did make a difference.
Tony
and Trish Morgan <trishmorgan24@hotmail.com>
Westernport, MD USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 03:50:34 (PDT)
Dan, You were a friend to all who knew you. Your smile and laughter
will be missed.We know you loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. You
really enjoyed talking about Danny, Joel and Jessie. They were the lights
of your life. Now you are their special smilling angel watching over them.
I know you have the angels all laughing by now. Love those Red and White
(Alco) oops, FORT HILL tennis shoes. Will miss you my FRIEND. Now to Nancy,
Danny, Joel, Jessie, Ginger,Mary and the rest of Dan's family. We all share
in your loss of such a loving family man. Dan loved you all so much. He
never missed a chance to talk about you in his own loving way. You are
all in my thoughts and prayers. To Dan's "Best Friend", Lawerence. You
guys were so tight. I know you are feeling a great loss too. Just know
that Dan would want you to go on laughing and loving life. He is probally
counting on you to keep us all laughing too. I'm sure is wants you to help
Nancy with Joel and Jessie. You are in my thoughts and prayers too. We
will all miss Dan!
Melvena Bible <mbible@hereintown.net>
Cumberland, Md USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 01:54:42 (PDT)
Hey Dan, You'll always be my favorite son-in-law. Not your grandma
Mary Hensel <mhensel@hereintown.net>
Cumberland, Md USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 20:43:51 (PDT)
to all that knew danny....twas no more wonderful to the imagination....twas
no more special than the best of friends....twas no more special than than
a wonderful father and husband.....twas danny....twas loved and will be
sadly missed....for all the good and bad times ragu....love ya babe....chuck
chuck buzzard <imbuzz1@hotmail.com>
ridgeley, wv USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 20:04:48 (PDT)
I only knew Dan from the Post Office. He always had a smile on his
face, was always willing to help in any way and he never failed to make
me laugh. The last time I was in the Post Office Dan was complaining about
the new computer system implemented by the postal service and I shared
with him a few computer horror stories, but assured him it would get better.
I was away on vacation when Dan passed away and I was shocked to return
home and read his obituary. I am friends with his brother, Joe, and my
heart goes out to the entire LaGratta family. You are in my thoughts and
prayers.
Anne M. SanGiovanni <judgehelper@yahoo.com>
USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 06:02:38 (PDT)
I want to give my deepest sympathies to the family of Danny, he
was such a good person, whether you knew him personally or not he always
had a smile for everyone he came into contact with. I only knew him from
going to the post office and there was always some laughter going on and
he was the cause. I went in the other day and it just wasn't the same.
It was too quiet, too empty! I feel for his children and hope and pray
that they remember what a terrific guy he truly was! God Bless you and
know that you will be together again. We will miss you Dan!
Terri Rinehart <rinehart@beer.com>
Cumberland, MD USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 17:44:58 (PDT)
As each day dawns God gives to us a canvas clean and white. On which
we splash very drab tones or paint with colors bright. Kind words and deeds
and gentle ways, we will apply with love. So that our painting when complete
are approved by our Father above. Danny painted a masterpiece during your
life. I'll always remember his humor and ability to laugh and make others
laugh, and the love and pride that he had for his family. God gained a
special angel with you Dan and you probably have him laughing right now
and you're organizing a sports team or helping with a reunion of some sort
up there! God bless your family. What a special guy!
Deborah
Martin <compliments@hereintown.net>
Cresaptown, MD USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 15:51:37 (PDT)
To the entire LaGratta family... My heartfelt sympathy goes out
to each and everyone of you. Not only will I miss the joyful Dan everytime
I walk into the post office, I will miss seeing him around town. We would
always talk about his daughter and my son who were the same age and he
was so very proud of each of his children. It will be a great loss to everyone
who ever came in contact with Dan. He was truly a wonderful man - full
of life, laugh, love and fun. And to Joe, my buddy, hang in there... I
am thinking of you and your family. Much Love, Melissa
Melissa Clark <clarkm@hereintown.net>
Cumberland, MD USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 14:59:46 (PDT)
To the entire LaGratta family... My heartfelt sympathy goes out
to each and everyone of you. Not only will I miss the joyful Dan everytime
I walk into the post office, I will miss seeing him around town. We would
always talk about his daughter and my son who were the same age and he
was so very proud of each of his children. It will be a great loss to everyone
who ever came in contact with Dan. He was truly a wonderful man - full
of life, laugh, love and fun. And to Joe, my buddy, hang in there... I
am thinking of you and your family. Much Love, Melissa
Melissa Clark <clarkm@hereintown.net>
Cumberland, MD USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 14:59:37 (PDT)
To Dan's family I am so sorry. Everytime I saw Dan, he always had
a big smile and a great laugh. I know he will be truly missed by all. To
Ginger I can not imagine your loss of a child and the pain that you are
going through right now, I'm sorry for your heartache. To Nancy, I can
not imagine your pain of losing your soul mate. To you Joe and Fred, you
have not only lost a brother but a friend also. And to everyone else the
void that Dan's death leaves in your life, I am sorry. May the Lord give
you strength and comfort during this time. I know the community will also
miss Dan a lot. May God bless each of you.
Polly Riffle <plriffle@earthlink.net>
Akron, OH USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 14:58:14 (PDT)
For Danny: "Somewhere up beyond the sky, That blanket dark that
floats up high, Beyond the places we can see, I know that there's a place
for me. Where no one hates or kills or cries, Where Saturn spins and magic
flies, Where I can be a child again And dream the things that I did then."
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire LaGratta family. With
much love, Krista
Krista
Mattson <krismattson@sisna.com>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 12:59:13 (PDT)
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe, Nancy, and the children; whom
I know. My deepest sympathy to the whole family. There are no words to
express such a loss of a son, brother, father, and friend.
Kathryn Fischer <kathrynr@mail2.gcnet.net>
Cresaptown, MD USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 10:33:31 (PDT)
I really did not get the opportunity to get to know Dan very well.
The few times I did meet him he was allot of fun to be around. I do give
my most sincere apologies to Dan’s family. As well as to my Buddy Joe.
I wish there was something I could say, but there is nothing I can say
or do to alleviate anyone’s pain in this matter. The world has lost a truly
great guy.
Vicki Duckworth <spinlady@hotmail.com>
USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 07:52:01 (PDT)
Nancy and family, I can't even begin to express the sorrow I, and
everyone at work, feel over the loss of such a special man as Dan. He was
so many things to so many people... employee, coworker, father, husband,
union leader, coach... but most of all a friend. I will truly miss his
unique charm, his wit, his smile and boisterious laugh, his leadership...
but most off his friendship. If there is anything I can do for you and
your family, Nancy, don't hesitate to ask me. You are a special friend
and like family to me. You and Dan have been so good to me in helping me
deal with my loss this past year, and I love you both. Call me, for anything...
Love, Lois PS...Dan, don't forget your promise to me. You said if you "got
there" before me, you would give Lisa a big hug from her mom. *smile* Take
care of my baby for me, will you? Love, Lois PS again, Lawrence, My heart
grieves with you too. You have lost your best friend (almost like a brother)
and your pain does not go unnoticed. I'm here for you. XO Lois
Lois Wade <lawade@hotmail.com>
Swanton, MD USA - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 17:12:42 (PDT)
My deepest condolences to Dan's family, friends, and co-workers.
Dan was a friend and co-worker of a very dear friend and I share your loss
with all of you.
Brian Kornegay <oneputt@pacific.net>
Ukiah, CA USA - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 15:59:47 (PDT)