Lawrence Paul Dascanio, formerly of Ashville, PA, (Buckhorn) died August 9, 2013, just shy of his 105th birthday. He was born August 17, 1908, in Gallitzin, son of the late Camillo “Tony” and Marie (Gallagher) Dascanio.

He is survived by his only daughter, Doris (Vito) Belculfine of Monaca, with whom Lawrence resided for seven years; five grandchildren: Patrick (Sandy) Napolitan, Gary (Mary Ann) Napolitan, James (Jamie) Toothman, Kimberly Toothman, and Angel (Matt) Zampogna; five great-grandchildren: Ryan Napolitan, Cody Aurin, Shannon Aurin, Noah Toothman and Rebecca Toothman; two sisters: Olive Savino and Betty Gomes (Paul); as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Margaret Smerigan, in 1992; his second wife, the former Florence Litzinger Wasser, in 2005; a great-grandson, Gary Patrick Napolitan; two brothers: Howard and Lewis; and a sister, Vera Biel.

Lawrence served in the U.S. Cavalry from 1926-27 and again in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1944-46. A hardworking man, Lawrence was an inspiration to his whole family. He worked side-by-side with his father in the coal mines, before he traveled by foot from Spindley City, PA, to West Aliquippa to seek employment at J&L Steel. He owned several businesses in his life including a coal delivery service, and he owned and operated Buckhorn Inn from 1953-75. His proudest accomplishment was building his own house from the ground up when he was in his sixties. He was a member of the Ambridge Eagles, Ambridge District Sportsmen's Association, Aliquippa Bucktail League and Cresson American Legion and a former member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Ashville. Lawrence had a deep appreciation for animals and nature. He was an avid gardener throughout his life, and considered his German shepherds to be part of the family. It wasn't uncommon to find him outside hand-feeding wild squirrels, and even black bears.

Friends will be received from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, at Gibbons Funeral Home, Ashville. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Ashville, the Rev. Sean Code as celebrant, with military rites accorded by Cresson American Legion and other local military organizations. Committal will be in St. Michael Cemetery, Loretto.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca, in Lawrence's memory.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Valley Beaver, as well as the staff at Rochester Manor, for their care and compassion.

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