Wesley Edward Lahey's Obituary
Wesley Edward Lahey, 77, finished his life’s journey on Monday, November 7, 2021 at his home in Lakeland, FL.
Born December 28, 1943 in Nashville, TN where his parents, Wesley R Lahey and Sarah Schuster-Lahey were initially stationed during WWII. After the war they returned to their home city of Pittsburgh, PA where Wes attended schools and churches in the North Hills area until graduation. He began his career as an electrical designer and married the first love in his life, Marie T “Terrie” Petrak-Lahey in 1966. Together they had one daughter, the second love in his life, Heather L Lahey-Jeffries.
After working several locations around the US on large design projects, the family chose to relocate to Lakeland, FL where Wes was part of the design teams for numerous projects over the next 43 years including Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show, Disney’s Epcot Center, Florida Power and Light, US Army Corp of Engineers, Georgia Paper, Lockheed Martin and Martin Marietta. His last working years were with JH Ham Engineering, Lakeland, FL.
Wes had a tremendous love for classic cars, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles as well as strength training and fitness. He passed that enthusiasm on to his daughter and grandson, the third love in his life, Noah Jeffries. His passions and joys were infectious for those around him. He lived his life with a youthful exuberance, a memorable smile and great sense of humor.
To his family he embodied the greatest example of what it meant to be a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He lived his life dedicated to his family and their well-being. He loved deeply and respected all. He lived his life with honor.
He is survived by his wife, Terrie and daughter, Heather. His youngest brother and sister-in-thought; Frank Lahey and Joyce Anne Von Vrecken, brother and sister in-laws; Richard and Jan Petrak and sister-in-law; Rosemary Lahey as well as friends and colleagues.
Wes is preceded in death by his father, Wes and mother, Sarah, mother-in-law; Mary G Petrak, younger brother; Mark N Lahey, younger sister; Anitra J Lahey, son-in-law, Bud Jeffries as well as his grandson Noah. Also to have gone on before and so greatly missed by him, they must be mentioned – Wes and Terrie’s dogs; Duke, Winky, Jake and Toby.
A memorial service will be held, Monday, November 7, 2022 at 12 noon at Tenoroc Range, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Rd, Lakeland, FL 33805. Service will be held by the Memorial Welcome area at the Education Center nearest the entrance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Noah’s Army Foundation, Inc, supporting first responders in Polk County, FL, www.noahsarmyfoundation.org or to Good Shepherd Hospice General Fund for Lakeland, FL through Chapters Health Foundation. www.lifepathhospice.chaptershealth.org/GSHGeneralDonation.
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