Name: Becker Funeral Home
Address: Westwood, NJ

I am so sorry for Jeff, Tom and his parents Mr & Mrs. LaViano,  

I knew Doug at Wandell School grade school through middle school in Saddle River.  His brothers were tough on him as the youngest boy and in turn he was the toughest little guy you ever saw.  

He played defensive tackle and I was an end on the HHS SR Indians football team, he took on kids much bigger than him and sometimes took a pounding but he gave as good as he got and held the line for a  team that had the best record in a decade in '91.  He was also a hell of a catcher and leader on the baseball diamond.  

Doug could sometimes be brash but he had a heck of a sense of humor sometimes and would leave us in stitches.  I hope i can inspire my daughters to be brave and fearless like Doug was.  

Prayers for his family and I wish Doug Godspeed, and that he is in a better place.

Tim Heck

To the LaViano family,

My deepest condolences to you during this difficult and trying time. Doug had a light about him that brought warmth to many hearts. He will be deeply missed, and well remembered. 

 Rest in peace "Prince of Westwood" 

My deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement,  May God give you strength  at this  difficult  time.  

I did not know Douglas or the LaViano family personally but I did grow up in River Vale and always knew of the LaViano Family as their business was and still is a beloved shop in Westwood, NJ. I am so very sorry for Douglas' passing. May he have eternal rest now and may all his family and friends left behind find peace in their hearts again soon.


The LaViano Family,

Our deepest condolences.  We remember all the good times shared with Doug.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Paglias

Dear Jack - I never had the pleasure of meeting Judy or your son, Tom, but after so many years patronizing your store and always being so happy with my fine jewelry purchases and your extraordinary customer service, I vividly remember the day I walked into the store and you proudly introduced me to Jeffrey and Douglas. You  informed me that they were joining you in continuing the legacy of LaViano Jewelers.   On many of my visits Douglas helped me and it was clear how genuine a man he was.   He seemed as proud and happy to help me as I was impressed that you had raised such fine young men.  I remember thinking then as I do now, that your father was in heaven reveling in  the fact that his family legacy was continuing thanks to the torch you carried on upon your Dad's passing.   Douglas's life ended far too soon and far too tragically.   I cannot imagine the pain for you, Judy, Jeffrey and Tom.   I am rattled to the core myself with grief for all of you and for the tortured pain that Douglas must have felt.   But I am a deeply spiritual person and I do know that your father  is embracing Douglas in heaven.  We cannot play God, we cannot even challenge God's plan.  God is watching over all of you.   May that fact bring you some comfort and peace.   You have four precious grandchildren, the next generation of LaViano's - May their innocence and their joy, especially at Christmas help lighten the days ahead.  Family is everything and I know you are all about family -- hold each other closely, savor the precious moments of Douglas's life, pray for God's guidance and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.    With deep sympathy,  Hope Sferra
P.S.  I only found out about Douglas's passing yesterday, Friday at about 3pm.    So I missed Thursday night's wake at Becker.  I called and spoke to Frank Calabrese this morning.   I have known Frank since 1978 when Al and I were youth group directors for Church of St. Gabriel in Saddle River.    I will be in touch.

Dear Judy and Jack,
I just learned of Douglas passing and send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.  Many years have passed but I remember you and your boys with great fondness.
May his memory always be a part of you.
With sympathy and happier times remembrances,
Maria Lull

Dear Douglas & LaViano Family, 

My heartfelt condolences. Douglas LaViano and family truly felt like extended members of the Tchir family, since my father, sister & I worked alongside you for numerous years. Douglas was a good and reliable leader of part timers like me; he taught me to speak up and be less shy. I loved being as helpful as possible around the store and I cherish many good moments where Douglas was content with my work.  I truly cannot remember my teenage to young adults years without imagining Douglas's laughs and strength around the office. 

Warmest regards,
Meghan N Tchir 

Dear LaViano Family, 

Words cannot be put together to truthfully reflect the sadness, and sorrow in this time of loss. My memories of Douglas reflect the small, silent, and kind acts during my days as a part-timer.  Douglas would wordlessly help me with dishes when I was alone at the phone, bring over my own cup of coffee when he noticed I accidentally left it by the machine and he never minded running down the block to pick up an lunch order- rain, snow or sleet.  I could count on him for a wry smirk, and a fun (eye-rolling) side comment.  He will be very much missed.  My deepest condolences to the entire family.

Sincerely, 
Emily 

Dear cousin Rest In Peace , take care of us up there , be always the humble guy I met.! Is not a goodbye is just a see you later. 


My memories of  the LaViano family coming in to “Salon De Cara “ to get there hair cut by me back in the late 80’s where we all fond memories .
Every time I saw Douglas as adults he reminded me how he loved that you let me make lightning bults with my buzzer on the sides of his head like the football player .
His face always lit up with his memory of me cutting his hair all those years ago .
My heart goes out to all of you 
I’m truly sorry for your loss . 
God bless , your all in my prayers 
He will be missed 
Suzanne  

The Palmer Family has been close to the LaViano Family for fifty years.  At this time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the LaViano Family.
Helene and Fred Palmer

Doug, 

Words can’t express how you will be missed. We loved you and there is a hole.  We are praying with so many others.



Jeffrey, 

There are no words to describe your loss.  Though I never met Doug, Toni only had kind words for him.  
I am so sorry for you and your family and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.  

Sending much love, Annmarie and Drew 

The LaViano’s,
You have all touched my heart in life’s journey, from being kids together, to marriage, having our children in the same time frame,. Many memories fro long ago. My heart goes out to all of you.
Douglas was always available to chat if you happened to see him in Westwood. We could talk as if we were family, we conversed through email and even had moments chatting on the phone.. He was opened and willing to share his heart and thoughts. Rest In Peace sweet man, I will always have warm thoughts of you.
I’ll pray for all of you in this time of sorrow.
Big hugs❤️

So sorry to hear this .  We are sending our deepest and heartfelt sympathies. Thinking of all of you. 
Bill and Barbara Blinn

I am so sorry to hear of Dougs passing, in the many many years that I had gone to Laviano’s he had helped me many times, he was such a kind and gentle soul. I can’t express the sadness of his passing. My deepest condolences to the entire family as well as the staff that worked with him. God Bless you all. 
Mary Cosney 

Jack, Jeff your entire family and your LaViano Team...I am so sorry to hear of Douglas’ passing.  Our mutual friend Tippy Muller let me know.   I have such fond memories of chatting with Douglas almost every time I came into your store over the many years.  He was a shining light and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.  God bless all of you and my deepest condolences...Susan Herman

I am so sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. Sending love and strength. 

Eternal life grant unto him O’Lord &
Perpetual light shine upon him
May he Rest In Peace  Amen

I've been friends with Doug since September 1989. I am deeply saddened by the news of his sudden passing and cannot imagine what his family is going through. Doug was a very unique person and a wonderful friend. I think it is only appropriate to honor and celebrate his life with a story or 2 about him. 

When it came to sports, Doug was a fiery, aggressive competitor. He loved football and baseball and whatever Doug lacked in height he certainly made up for in strength. On the football field, Doug would hit hard. How hard you ask? Well the first time I ever made an interception for the Saddle River Indians, Doug was psyched for me. He ran across the field to congratulate me and did so by knocking me on my ass. I no joke saw stars for 5  minutes. Later in the game, I had a second chance at an interception. At the last second I decided to just knock the ball away because I couldnt bare the thought of another physical congratulations from Doug. Hopefully this illustrates the type of rough, tough old school football player Doug personified. 

When football season was over, Doug took that same mentality to the baseball diamond where played the position of catcher. Of all the things I will remember about Doug in sports, the way he handled plays at the plate is the most unique. When a runner is on the way home, a catcher is taught to catch the ball, hold onto it tightly, and tag the runner out. Well Doug thought that was taking the easy way out. Every time there was a play at the plate, Doug would run towards the base runner, wrap the poor kid with both arms, lift him and tackle him into the dirt. Doug never dropped the ball, always made the out and it always made me laugh. To get an idea of his form, watch how Ralphie tackles the bully in A Christmas Story. It is literally the exact same thing Doug would do to runners.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ralphie+fight+christmas+story

Doug was a legend & a true one of a kind. I'll always cherish our friendship!

Douglas, 
You were more loved than you realized. Rest In Peace, dear boy. You will be missed.
Love to your family,
Janet & Jim

OBITUARY

Douglas LaViano

October 30, 1977 – December 14, 2019

Becker Funeral Home

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