Walter LaSota

Walter LaSota, 99, of Reading, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 30, 2026, in his residence. He was the loving husband of 70 years to the late Dorothy A. (Nowotarski) LaSota, who passed away on February 4, 2018. Born in Scranton on February 23, 1926, to the late Wladyslaw and Laura (Laskiewicz) LaSota.

Walter served proudly in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the South Pacific Campaign. His courage and sacrifice at the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill on Okinawa stood as a testament to his unwavering bravery in one of the war’s fiercest battles. While in combat he was injured twice receiving two Purple Hearts in recognition of his service. At the age of 99, and on the 80th Anniversary of his landing on Toguchi Beach in Okinawa, he was able to return paying his respect to fallen comrades and closing a remarkable chapter of a life defined by service.

Walter was employed by the American District Telegraph Company, now ADT, for 35 years as a foreman.

A devoted member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Reading, Walter held various roles within the Knight of Columbus including Past Grand Knight of Council #4198 and Past District Deputy.

Alongside his wife, he owned and operated the Oriental Gift House and Eng's Laundry for five decades. Additionally, Walter held lifetime membership with Liberty Fire Company of Reading and served on the Model Cities Board. His leisure interests included golf, cruising and traveling around the world, and he particularly cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Walter is survived by his children, Cynthia A. LaSota of Reading; Walter S. LaSota, husband of Maryellen LaSota, of Muhlenberg Township; Edward F. LaSota, husband of Cynthia S. Hettinger-LaSota, of Fayetteville, PA; Raymond A. LaSota, husband of Kim M. LaSota, of Kenhorst; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Stanley and Richard, and sisters Laura, and Sophie. He was also predeceased by a great grandson, Nathan Walter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 250 S. 12th Street, Reading, PA 19602, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Gethsemane Mausoleum. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation in Walter’s memory to one of the following:

St. Mary’s Church

c/o St. Catherine’s Parish

4975 Boyertown Pike

Reading, PA. 19606

Wounded Warrior Projects

P.O. Box 75816

Topeka, KS 66675-8516 http://www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

2361 Hylan Boulevard

Staten Island, New York 10306 https://t2t.org

Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.