Meet the Lavigna Family residing on County Line Road, William Lavigna and his significant other Susan Lackner and Susan’s French Bulldog, Frankie.

William is a restorative dentist who has had his own private practice for 35 years and directed the advanced training of over 150 graduate dentists in the Accredited program.

Susan was a professional model in the US and Germany in her early 20s and has since gone on to earn her doctorate in physical therapy and become a skilled acute care physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital. Before returning to Cleveland and joining the CC team she worked in Baltimore at John’s Hopkins Hospital.

William and Susan's adventurous story is a testament to the adage, "No brag, just fact," as famously said by Will Sonnett. William's hobbies and achievements are as diverse as they are inspiring, ranging from the depths of the ocean to the skies above.

Being a seasoned scuba diver, having explored some of the world's most breathtaking underwater destinations. With around 800 dives under his belt, he has encountered the vibrant ecosystems of the Caribbean, the vast beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, and the historic waters of Micronesia and the Indian Ocean. His favorite scuba experiences include the unparalleled reef diving in Palau and the exploration of WWII shipwrecks in Truk Lagoon.

Not content with only exploring the depths, William has also taken to the skies as a hot air balloon pilot. Since receiving his license in 1986, he has accumulated over 900 hours as Pilot in Command. His dedication to the sport is evident in his founding and organizing of the Chagrin Falls Heinen’s Balloon Festival, which ran successfully from 1989 to 2006. William's competitive spirit has seen him participate in numerous national and international championships, including being a member of the 2001 US National Team in Sevilla, Spain.

On land, William is an avid bicyclist and art collector. His cycling adventures have taken him across Europe, sharing the journey with friends and raising funds for charity through the MS Pedal to the Point ride. As an art enthusiast, William has traveled extensively to curate a remarkable collection, showcasing his deep appreciation for cultural expression.

Though William started his adventures solo, in the last few years he has had the wonderful company Of Susan to make the adventurous and sights even more magical and breathtaking.

Beyond their  personal passions, William and Susan are deeply committed to their community. William has served on the Board of Directors of ENCORE - The Gates Mills Music and Ideas Festival, contributing significantly to its growth and rebranding. This festival brings world-class music to Gates Mills and the Greater Cleveland area, enriching the cultural landscape of the region. His efforts, along with those of Susan Lackner and others, have strengthened the bond between the ENCORE Chamber Music Institute and the Village of Gates Mills.

Susan is an active member of the Garden Club, loving to see the colors bloom across Gates Mills and allow residents to share in the joys that a lush landscape and exquisite bloom can bring. 

Family traditions hold a special place in William's heart, particularly those rooted in his Italian heritage. The Sunday pasta (or “Spaghetti” as all pasta was called) making, a ritual from his childhood, continues to bring his family together, symbolizing the importance of heritage and the joy of shared experiences.

William and Susan grew up in Northeast Ohio and as a child William grew up knowing the Illuminating Company's slogan of “The Best Location in the Nation”. This slogan is exactly what they think of when they think of their homes in Gates Mills. With its beautiful, bucolic environment, friendly neighbors and exceptional Village services Gates Mills truly is “the Best Location in the Nation” for William and Susan.