Louis Dallavia

Louis Larry Dallavia, 82, of Duluth, Minnesota, died October 4, 2018 at Viewcrest Health Center in St. Luke’s Hospice.  He was born December 28, 1935 in Duluth to Louis and Dolores (Wierzbicki) Dallavia.

Larry attended St. Clements grade school in Duluth.  He moved to Houston, Texas in 1947.  He attended St. Ann’s grade school, Lanier Jr. High, Lamar High School and the University of Houston.  While at the University of Houston, he was a student instructor in Physics.  He returned to Duluth in 1959 and was hired as head trip man for a canoe camp near Ely, MN.  Larry married Diane (Franckwicz) on July 13, 1963 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

He entered the United States Army Reserve with Company C 367th Combat Engineering Unit and was discharged in 1965 as Sgt E-5.  He was employed by an Architecture firm, US Army Corps of Engineers, and an Engineering Firm.  He was employed for 37 years at St. Mary’s Medical Center/SMDC, in which 25 years as Director of Plant Operations and Maintenance and 12 years as Director of Facility Planning and Construction Management.  Larry was an Amateur Radio Operator, K5EAY, Private Pilot and a Registered EMT.  He taught at the College of St. Scholastica as an Adjunct Professor and Lake Superior College.  He served as a chair person for the Loaned Executive Action Program in Review of Duluth Fire and Police Departments.

His last years were devoted as caregiver for several elderly relatives and the search in genealogy of family.  Larry and Diane just celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary.  He was a member of St. Benedicts.  In the late 1960’s, Larry and Diane began building their cabin at Island Lake.  Many happy years have been spent there fishing, hunting, boating, relaxing and enjoying the wildlife.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Anne who died at birth 08/10/1968.

He is survived by wife Diane; son, Paul M of Duluth; cousins, Beverly Carlson of Duluth, Millie in Wisconsin, Bob Erickson (Celia) of Tempe, AZ; and many other relatives and friends.

A special Thank You goes out to the wonderful Staff of St. Luke’s Hospice and Viewcrest Health Center, for making his last month’s comfortable.   A special Thank You to Dr. David Arvold for his care and compassion throughout the time.

Memorials may be directed to Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation (Duluth, Minnesota).

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11AM, Thursday, October 11, 2018, with visitation one-hour prior in St. Benedict Catholic Church 1419 St Benedict St, Duluth, MN 55811.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555