Anthony "Tony" LaFata, age 84 of Hersey, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018 at Metron of Big Rapids. He was born December 4, 1933 in Detroit, the son of James and Grace (Maniaci) LaFata. Tony was honorably discharged from the United States Army while serving as a Paratrooper. He was a die setter for Precision Stamping in Howell. After Tony retired in 1996 he and Barbara moved to Hersey. He was a member of St. Mary-St. Paul Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Tony enjoyed reading about history and he loved his dog Sophie. He is survived by his wife, Barbara LaFata of Hersey; two daughters, Wanda Rachel (Jerry) Kreitzer of Wyoming, Michigan and Vickie (Phillip) Diede of Tacoma, Washington; two grandchildren, Charles (Joey) DeGraaf and Michael (Kelli) DeGraaf; four great-grandchildren, Jayden, Colton, Jaxson, and Charleigh DeGraaf and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews. Tony was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. Mass of the Resurrection will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018 at St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids with Father Michael Burt officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 14th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Tony will be laid to rest at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Tonys name to St. Mary St. Paul Catholic Church. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Mass of the Resurrection Thursday, March 15, 2018 11:00 AM St. Paul Campus Parish 1 Damascus Rd Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Wednesday, March 14, 2018 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307