Joseph A. Lagana III, 79, husband of Kathleen (Griffith) Lagana, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, July 1, 2024.

Joseph was born in Meriden, October 3, 1944, the son of the late Joseph A. Lagana Jr. and Josephine (Moretti) Lagana. Joe was the retired President of Liberty Lagana Furniture Store, Est. 1934, located on West Main St. in Meriden, and was still involved in the daily operation of running the business with his son, Matthew.

As a lifelong member of the Meriden community, Joe was a graduate of Platt High School, class of 1962. He went on to attend and graduate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and began his career in his early 20s as an engineer for Chandler Evans. In his 30s, he jumped at the opportunity to take over the then Liberty Auto Stores on West Main Street in Meriden from his father in 1975. Determined to grow the family business, Joe evolved the store from automotive to furniture and Liberty Lagana Furniture was born! In 2006, Joe retired from the family business and passed the torch to his son Matthew, who is now the 3rd generation store owner.

Even in retirement, Joe was active in the Meriden community. He was recognized by the Meriden Lions Club as "Lion of the Year" and the Meriden Boys and Girls Club as "Man of the Year."

In addition to his wife Kathleen, Joe leaves his loving children Matthew Lagana and his wife Kelly, Polly Lagana-Fanning and her husband Jim, and Kate Lagana-Murray and her husband Tim; his cherished grandchildren Leo Lagana, Griffin, Jake and Declan Fanning, and Will Murray; his two sisters Loretta Bogdanski and Claudia Sabourin. He was predeceased by his sister Mary L. Lagana.

Joe's family will receive relatives and friends in the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Joe will be laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meriden. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Joe may be made to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave, Meriden, CT. 06450 For online condolences visit: www.meridenmemorialfh.com