Jeffry Francis LaViola, 63, of Bay City, passed away on April 20, 2024 after a lengthy illness. He was born July 23, 1960 in Teaneck, New Jersey to the late Emil LaViola and Eileen Callahan LaViola.

Work took Jeff from Jersey to Florida and then Texas, where he met his "beautiful wife" as he called her, Elizabeth. Together they spent years running their restaurant, LaVie's Pizza, using family recipes passed down from Jeff's Italian grandparents. Jeff was a pro at tossing the dough in the air to stretch out the perfect pizza crust. He made sure to donate pizzas to the Women's Crisis Center when they had families staying. It made him so happy to be able to do that.

Jeff was also a gifted craftsman and built many custom swing sets for families in town. He constructed an enormous playground for his children, where many years of fun were had by friends and family. Later he enjoyed welding, and he would create all kinds of unique items.

Over the last several years, Jeff endured many illnesses. In 2019, he underwent a liver transplant and he was never shy to show off his "battle scars" to a stranger. He would talk to anyone he met, and never hesitated to brag on his grandchildren, who he was so extremely proud of. Whenever he felt well enough, he could be seen around town riding his motorcycle.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Anthony LaViola, sister Mary Ann Cryoskie, and brother-in-law Bob Cryoskie.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Elizabeth Ramos LaViola; daughter Angela and husband Jonathan Schneider; son John LaViola and fiance Evette Garcia; brothers Emil LaViola and wife Susan, Timothy LaViola and wife Regina, and Jim LaViola; grandchildren Emilee, Jacob, and Cole Schneider and Logan, Tanner, and Evelyn LaViola.

A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM Friday, April 26, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM with Rev. Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jose Longoria, William Longoria, George Ramos and Jonathan, Jacob, and Cole Schneider.