John Joseph Lasita

John (Jay) Joseph Lasita the Third, age 75, of St. Petersburg passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 after long struggles with his health. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but raised in the Tampa Bay area, he graduated from A.H. Robinson High School in Tampa prior to attending Hillsborough College. Jay was preceded in death by his father, John Joseph Lasita the Second; his mother, Betty (Loveall) Chafin; his stepfather, John Chafin; and several of his half-brothers and half-sisters. He is survived by his two daughters, Jessica Lasita and Jillian Lasita; the mother of his daughters, LuAnn Lasita; as well as much extended family and several lifelong friends.

Jay was a passionate individual with many diverse interests. He was a major sports enthusiast, had a great love for playing golf in his younger years—a passion inherited from his father—and possessed a nearly unmatchable skill for trivia given his intellect and memory. His greatest passions were politics and history. An incredible conversationalist and rhetorician, he genuinely enjoyed engaging with anyone on either subject and could always be counted on for a dynamic and animated discussion. His long-standing dedication to political advocacy meant that he took great pride in serving on numerous boards, committees, and coalitions. Among his most cherished achievements was serving his community directly as an elected St. Petersburg City Councilman.

The date and time of Jay's Remembrance Gathering will be announced soon. All who wish to attend are welcome to gather, connect, and share memories.

For those who wish to make a donation in his memory, contributions in his honor may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Sierra Club Foundation.