Lawrence D. “Chacho” Lona, 83, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2026, under hospice care at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on October 8th, 1942, a son of the late Santiago and Milka Lona. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Milan “Fatso” Lona, Michael Lona and Steven Lona, his sister, Lola Baich, his brother-in-law, Joe Baich and his sister-in-law, Janet Lona.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy, his children, Lonée Lona (Ture) and Steve (Lisa) Lona, his brother, John (Colette) Lona, his sisters, Maria (John) Caruso and Theresa “Beba” Lona; and sister-in-law, Cathy Lona. He is survived by his nephews, Douglas Miller, Michael (Lori) Miller, Michael (Teresa) Lona and John Caruso, his great-niece, Taylor Miller, his great-nephew, Sawyer Lona, his great-niece, Adison Miller and his great-nephew, Milan Miller. He also held a special bond with his beloved cousin, John Martini.
Lawrence grew up in Midland, Pennsylvania, where his strong work ethic and deep love for family were first formed. He proudly served his country as an airman in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964 and was stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska. His was a graduate of Lincoln High School, he went on to build a life rooted in hard work, dedicating forty years as a steelworker in his hometown before retiring from Allegheny Ludlum. Chacho found great joy on the golf course, where he spent many happy hours playing the game. He also enjoyed watching golf tournaments on television and never missed a chance to follow the sport he loved. He liked fishing and was a devoted Steelers football fan. Above all, he loved time spent with his family and friends, especially gathering together for dinners and celebrations. Known for his humor and gift for storytelling, Chacho’s kindness and spirit will live on through the stories, laughter, and love shared by his family and friends.
Friends will be received on Saturday, January 17th, from 1-3 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, staff, and volunteers at the Good Samaritan Hospice House for the compassionate and dignified care they provided to Lawrence and his family during his final weeks.