Lester Rocco LaGatta

LESTER ROCCO LAGATTA age 79, retired Chief of Police for the Village of Chagrin Falls, beloved husband of Susan J. (nee McCorkle); loving father of Heather Faye LaGatta (Joel Hanson), Shannon Lee LaGatta (Jeff Obolnar) Meagan Elizabeth LaGatta (Brian Lake), Laurel Jane LaGatta, Heather Jane Kramer (husband Michael), Suzi Jane Lally; devoted grandfather of 10; cherished son of the late Rocco and Laura (nee DePasquale) LaGatta; dearest brother of the late Thomas J. LaGatta (wife Barbara M.); dear uncle and great-uncle of many. U.S. Army Veteran.

Lester was born on November 22, 1945, to joyful parents Rocco and Laura, in East Cleveland Ohio. He grew up in Mayfield Heights and graduated from Mayfield High School as part of the class of 1964, and continued his education at Tri-C, Lakeland, and Case Western Reserve University. During his time serving on the Cleveland Heights police force from 1967-1983, Serving and Protecting. He went on to become the Chief of Police in the Village of Chagrin Falls in 1984, for which he was immensely proud of. Les was also chosen to be the Cuyahoga City Police Chief. Being a vital and passionate community member of Geauga County, Les was elected to the role of Geauga Park District Commissioner. He had a fervent desire to serve and protect both his local community as well as all Americans, having assisted with the FOPA law and being a loyal member of the FBI National Academy. Les was elected as the president of the Cuyahoga County Police Chief Association and was a member of the Ohio Police Chief Association. While he took great pride in protecting those who needed him as a man in uniform, Les was his family’s greatest protector as well. He loved his family and friends more than anything and would do anything to keep them safe. In his free time, he could be found smoking a cigar while listening to the rat pack or out with the guy’s wining and dining. Les was best described by those who knew him as a friendly, social, and kind man who had a great sense of humor. Les had a warmth to him that was undoubtably comforting to those he cared about. He was a wonderful grandfather to all 10 of his grandchildren. Les passed away on June 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a man who served others before himself in all aspects of his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory to Les' Treasured Memories Fund by clicking HERE.

Celebration of Life Service Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 4 PM at THE FUNERAL HOME.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Les at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) SATURDAY 1-4 PM.

Cremation following services entrusted to DeJohn Crematory.