Dec. 29, 1977 - May 7, 2011

Andrew James Lagomarsino (Andy) passed away suddenly at his home in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Andy was born Dec. 29, 1977, in Tulsa, Okla.

He spent his childhood years in Irvine, Calif., Coeur d'Alene and ultimately Anchorage, Alaska. He completed high school in Anchorage and joined the U.S. Navy. After his service, he returned to Anchorage and pursued his adventurous side with rock climbing and volunteered as an EMT with Chugach EMS.

His interest in EMS took him to his post high school education at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his degree in Paramedic Medicine. His professional career in EMS followed with jobs with San Antonio City EMS, Guardian Flight EMS in Fairbanks, Alaska, and ultimately to the City of Pittsburgh EMS.

Those of us who knew Andy loved him for his spirit of adventure, sense of humor and joy of life. He truly loved being outdoors and spent his time rock climbing and fly fishing - a passion for him. More recently he has also discovered the excitement of riding his Ducati superbike.

Andy's kind spirit and gentle heart is evidenced by his many dear friends and his closeness to family. He valued the time he spent visiting his parents and loved being the "big brother" to his brothers and little sister. He enjoyed meeting friends at local clubs, socializing at parties or just hanging out. He developed a love for music which spanned several genres' including classic rock, alternative and new age. He dabbled as a DJ mixing music at local clubs always enjoying and admiring the art of music mixing.

Andy's expansive family and broad network of friends were his strength and foundation - just as he was part of our strength and foundation. He always enjoyed spending time talking about the issues of the day, living in the moment and engaging in lively debate. His caring and compassion is evident in how much he loved those around him and in the choice of his career as a Paramedic. He was an outstanding medic and Crew Chief who loved helping anyone in need. We will all miss his bright smile, caring heart and off-beat sense of humor. The world was always a brighter place when Andy was around.

Andy is survived by his extended family including his father and stepmother, Jim and Tracy Lagomarsino of Anchorage; his mother and stepfather, Patty and Terry Thompson of Coeur d'Alene; his brothers, Rob Lagomarsino and Brandon Weir; his sister, Cydney Lagomarsino of Alaska and his many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his hundreds of close friends and co-workers in Pittsburgh, Coeur d'Alene and Anchorage.

In the adapted words of Diddy - Dirty Money and Skylar Grey, "... He's coming home, he's coming home, tell the world he's coming home. Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday, I know his kingdom awaits and they've forgiven his mistakes, he's coming home, he's coming home, tell the world he's coming home..." Andy's traditional sign off was "Peace." Go in peace Andy...

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene, with burial to follow at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens. Please sign Andy's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.