Obituary of Gerard Vincent Lagotta

      Gerard Vincent Lagotta was born on February 16th, 1991 at St. Vincent’s hospital on Staten Island. By no means was his entrance into this world an easy one. He’s been a fighter since birth, overcoming obstacles from the beginning. 

      From birth, he suffered from severe cardiovascular issues, having 3 open heart surgeries as a baby. Gerard had to fight, so that’s exactly what he did. He had overcome the odds, living 35 years. He passed away on August 26th, 2026, leaving behind his loving mother and father, Gerry & Colleen, younger brother, Patrick, sister in law, Amanda, and niece, Sienna, along with many other family and friends. Thankfully, he’s also been reunited with all of his grandparents, who he’s most likely playing cards with right now, along with Aunt Irene, Bobby and Scotty. 

       In Gerard’s early life, he attended a catholic elementary school, St. Roch’s, from kindergarten to 8th grade and then went on to attend St. Peter’s high school.

      Gerard was a huge sports fanatic, as you probably know already. He was a fan of the Yankees, Jets, Rangers and Knicks. He bonded heavily through sports with his family and friends. Right now at this moment, he’s watching over the Yankees right now as they pursue a 28th world championship. 

      Gerard loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his cousins. He loved to laugh and everyone who knew him knows that his laugh was surely was one of a kind, contagious, as it spread from room to room, making the ones he loved smile. Gerard’s excitement for life was infectious. When he had his mind set on something, he was gonna do it whether he had any help or not, despite what anyone thought. Gerard had traveled to Boston to try out for American Idol all on his own. Even though it didn’t go as expected, just going there on his own mission was an achievement for him.

      Gerard was always himself, no matter what. No filter, no matter where he was, the real him was present. He never suppressed who he was. He was always confident, independent, honest, unique, and inspiring without quite knowing how much of an inspiration he was to be strong and live like any day could be your last. Gerard was absolutely the toughest person I’ve known. 

      He didn’t let his heart problems limit him and never looked for sympathy over his condition. In front of everybody he would always act like he’s ok, even when he wasn’t. Strong quality but yes, a little stubborn too. That was who he was. Gerard was 1 of 1 and nobody we’ve ever met was quite like him. He was different in the best of ways and he will truly be missed and never forgotten.