David W. Laychak

David W. Laychak

David Laychak Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 17, 2001.
Laurie Laychak was substitute teaching when a note was delivered to her 2nd-grade class. There had been an attack on the Pentagon, it read.. Laychak's husband, David, 40, worked there as a civilian budget analyst for the U.S. Army. She went to their Manassas, Va., home and spent the day praying he would call.

"That night, I couldn't go to sleep," she said. "I was afraid that if I stopped praying, that something bad would happen."

David Laychak worked for the Army for 17 years, his wife said. His father had been a career officer, and Laychak later regretted not joining up. "He really believed in serving his country and helping keep us safe and free," his wife said.

The talented athlete loved sports and being outdoors. But his main hobby was spending time with family. He played hide-and-seek, taught his kids baseball and basketball, and wrestled around on the ground.

"I'd have to call all three of them in for dinner," his wife said.

Other grieving families have said they cannot bear to look at the Pentagon again. She does not feel that way. It is where the couple met in 1984, when both worked there.

"If it weren't for the Pentagon, I would never have met him," she said.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign David Laychak's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 13, 2019

Tom H posted to the memorial.

February 1, 2016

Del Newberry posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2014

Diane Wiertel-Malkiewicz posted to the memorial.

Tom H

September 13, 2019

Thinking of you today David. We will never forget. Much regards to David's family and friends.

Del Newberry

February 1, 2016

We will never forget. Prayers for all of David's friends and family. Love from Texas,

Happier Times!

Diane Wiertel-Malkiewicz

September 11, 2014

Remembering my distant cousin David on this very sad day.
(Daughter of Joan Kirsh Wiertel,Dave's Mom Patsy's cousin).

S J. Friscia III

May 1, 2014

In Memory
With Honor & Respect.

John K

April 1, 2014

Lucky to call hIm my friend..."Ned Laserchak". Played legion baseball and football conditioning back in the summers of 77/78/79-the most easy going guy I ever had the pleasure of knowing in my HS days. Good man.

Joan and Dan Bauk

September 15, 2013

Laurie, Zach, and Jenny,

Danny and I have been thinking of you all this week. You are never far from our thoughts and prayers. Dave was a wonderful person. We will never forget his warm smile and personality. The three of you and Jim should be very proud of the devotion you have made to Dave and all of the victims of September 11th. You are a wonderful family. I know that Dave is proud of you all.

Diane Wiertel-Malkiewicz

September 11, 2013

Again on 9/11 thinking of Dave and my cousin Patty (his Mom) and that missing link in our family.

September 11, 2011

Jennifer, Zach and little Jennifer,
All of this is surreal to me. I found a picture today of me holding Zach, with the caption, "Zach was always comforted in Steffani's arms." (Syracuse, NY) What I want to say to you all is that my words are meager but this all I have. Dave was a jewel in the crown of out Lord. I knew him for a short time but what I knew I cherish to this day. Such a beautiful human being. I can only hope to touch so many lives and leave such an impression. My life was better for the brief time I had him and your family in it. He lives on in my thoughts and in my classroom. He made a difference!! What more can we ask?
Steffani

Ashleigh Muncy

September 11, 2011

Jennifer
I think of you and your family every 9/11. I still remember that day, sitting next to or near you in class. I don't no if you remember me, but i will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Linda OLM Parishoner

September 11, 2011

Dave is not forgotten.

Julie & Randy Wernette

September 11, 2011

Thinking of the Laychak family as this 9-11 anniversary day unfolds. Miss you guys.

September 11, 2011

RIP Dave.

Ann Dickson

September 11, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with all the Laychak family today as we remember on this 10th Anniversary. Dave was a dear friend and GREAT associate.

Sara Reveles-Pellegrini

September 11, 2010

Thinking of you and the Laychak family on this and every 11th of September.

September 10, 2010

Laurie,
Hope you check this. Trying to get hold of you. So miss Dave every year on 9/11. I so hope that you are well and thriving. I would love to talk to you.
Steffani
[email protected]

Peggy Childers

August 26, 2010

To the family of David W. Laychak:
David gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

meagan

September 29, 2009

im sorry for your loss

Rick Dewitt

September 11, 2009

We met Dave and Laurie and Zack, when they came to Sierra Vista AZ. Dave was a Great Dad, friend and Husband. I don't know of one person that didn't think the same thing! Dave we all miss you!

Karen

September 11, 2009

I am remembering David Laychak on this day, September 11, 2009.

Ashleigh

September 8, 2009

As i complete this assisgnment i have been given from my U.S History teacher honoring the victims of 9/11, I look into every aspect of this mans life. I see the accomplishments, and the people he loved in pain of the loss of this great man. He served our country, not only was he brave but a soldier. I am more then happy to keep the spirit and honor of this man alive by telling my classmate about him. He seemed to be a great man, and a great friend. I only hope that his family knows that as well. To his family: I'm sorry for you loss. He was a great man.

Brian laychak

September 11, 2008

I am very sorry for you loss and thanks you for David's service to our country.

Mike Stypula

June 7, 2008

Dave was a couple of years ahead of me at Brown. We were both members of the varsity football team. He was a very nice guy; I never remember seeing him in a bad mood. He was a breath of fresh air.

When I heard that he was a victim of the 9/11 attacks, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news. To have endured what he endured at the Pentagon on that tragic day makes Dave an American hero.

To Dave's wife and family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your lives have had chances to heal and rebound. Dave was a great guy.

Lynnell Akamu

September 6, 2007

Aloha to Laurie Miller Laychak and the Laychak `Ohana (family) from Honolulu, Hawaii.
I wanted to let you know that on 9/5/07@9am HST we held our Annual Patriot Day Commemoration program as we specifically remembered those individuals who have a connection to the State of Hawaii, and are therefore considered our `ohana.
If you would like to have a copy of the written program that we had for the audience at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Honolulu, please send me you e-mail address and I will send you the pdf document.
We continue to hold you all in our prayers.
Malama pono (take care),
Lynnell Ka`opua Akamu, MSW, LSW
Social Worker

P Tabbernor

August 26, 2007

In remembrance....

Christopher LaPanta

July 25, 2007

I had the pleasure of traveling to India with David as part of a group of student athletes from the Tehran American School. David was a year older than I was and acted as our room captain while were staying at the American Embassy in New Dehli. Even then David stood out from the crowd - his athleticism and intelligence was matched only by his kindness and patience. He alwyas had time for the younger members of our group. I have fond memories of catching his perfect spirals during recess on the grounds of TAS.

Kristine

November 2, 2006

As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

Kathy Swaringen

October 19, 2006

On Oct 17, 2006, 1 mile was ridden to honor the life of David W Laychak and all those he left behind. We can not begin to know your grief, but can let you know that you and your loved ones will be in our prayers.

May you rest in peace.

Teri Friedler (Schutte)

September 22, 2006

I too knew a few members of the LayChak family growing up in Alexandria and attending Hayfield High School. I played field hockey with Molly and as with all teams, we had a family type of bond during those years. My heart still goes out to her and her family for their tremendous loss.



I remember Dave from high school and he is truly as vibrant as everyone recalls. Many young ladies had school girl crushes on him; but I particuarly recall his bright personality and his atletic talent. The entire Laychak family is full of people and it is unfortunte for us all to have lost such a "star."

Diane Malkiewicz

September 11, 2006

What a beautiful tribute. I am a distant cousin of David's from Buffalo, N.Y. His Mom, Patsy and my mother Joan Wiertel are first cousin's. It is an honor to have had him as a member of our family.

the on the left is me

brittany maple

April 28, 2006

i was friends with his daughter jenny i miss him and her family a lot.

Rob Jones

January 23, 2005

My wife, Ann, grew up in the same neighborhood as David in Virginia and her parents still live there as does David's father. Over 25 years have past since then and she still has great memories of the few chats they had by the curb when they were growing up. I never met David, but every time I visit my in-laws I can't help think of him and his family. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you!

Megan Halloran

September 9, 2003

Dave was my cousin. He was 16 yrs. older then I and lived states away, but that didn't matter. My sister Katie, brother Jim and I looked up to our cousins. Dave was my father's Godson and Dave in turn was my brother's Godfather. He will always be a wonderful role model for our family. I know my brother was especially close with him. Just to call for advise or someone to talk to, he was always there. My father Terry too, was so proud of him and I know that picture of Dave at Brown will never come off the living room wall. Katie and I saw him as such a wonderful family man and I can only wish that my future husband will have the qualities Dave had.

We think about Dave all the time and it's so heartbreaking that he's gone, but we hold on to the love and memories our family has forever.

Jackie Annis

January 29, 2003

I went to highschool with David and I unfortuantely missed the opportunity to contibute to the memory book that the Class of 79 put together. I did not know David well but I do remember that he always had a smile and a kind word (even for people he barely knew). I believe that our world is much better for having had him.

Dana J

September 12, 2002

My school participated in the "Rolling Requiem" Each time zone in the world performed Mozarts Requiem. My school, Lincoln High, performed for the central time zone. Before the concert, we all were assigned a pin with a person who died's name on it. David Laychak was mine. My thoughts and prayers are with the Laychak family.GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Tracy Braga

September 11, 2002

May God bring peace and comfort to David's family. I worked at the Pentagon in 1977 and 1978 for David's father LTC Laychak. I remember LTC Laychak speaking so much about his kids, and I remember him speaking about David. I was only 17 yrs old at the time, and have not been in touch with LTC Laychak, but recognized David's name today and realized the connection and felt such sadness. I immediately said a prayer for David and his family. God Bless You...

Joe Burns

September 11, 2002

When I saw David's name on the Pentagon list, the name sounded very familiar. I never knew David Laychak personally, but our lives were somewhat connected. I knew his sister Molly in high school at Hayfield. Our fathers knew each other and served at LTC's at the Pentagon. Our fathers often talked about their kids together while commuting home on the same bus/train. David's funeral mass was said at our church, St. Francis of Assisi in Triangle, VA. I later found out he and his wife had just recently joined the church. David was a Dept of Army civilian in the DLAMP program and I am in the same program also as an Army civilian. From what I have heard and read about David, I wish that our paths had crossed in the Pentagon. I will keep the entire Laychak family in my prayers today, September 11, 2002 as they honor their fallen hero.

Jean & Phillip Articola

September 11, 2002

We are your neighbors. Not a day goes by that we do not pray for you and your beautiful children. God bless you all.

LUTICIA (TICK) HOOK

September 5, 2002

Laurie my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May God Bless you and your family.



Love

TICK

Molly Laychak-Whalen

July 16, 2002

Dave was 40 years old, a dad of two, and married to his wife Laurie for 13 years. My brothers and I all grew up in the Washington DC area in Alexandria, VA attending Hayfield Secondary School, and Dave attended Brown University in RI on a football scholarship, graduating in 1983. Dave has truly been part of the Army his whole life. He was born at the Army Hospital on base at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where my father was stationed, and spent his first 21 years as an Army dependent, and upon graduation from Brown - began his near 20 year career with the Department of Army. First here at the Pentagon for about 8 years, then the Army put him through an MBA program in Syracuse for 18 months, then at Ft. Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ for 9 years, and he's been back at the Pentagon since fall of 2000.



In writing this, I want to describe Dave to you, and yet I don't think you'd believe me. But he was an All-American boy, with a golden soul - REALLY! He was 6 ft, trim, blond & blue eyed, good looking with a great personality - a friend of everyone he met - you just couldn't not like Dave. He loved "God Bless America" and family and sports - he was a star athlete in high school, and continued his love of sports his whole life. He was always throwing a ball around, mountain biking, running or playing softball. He was a sweetheart with a dry-sense of wit - and could quote to you every line out of "Tommy Boy" the movie - laughing himself at each one. He was a dedicated Catholic, and a loyal, patriotic citizen. To me, his baby sister by 6 years, he was huge tease - never missing a chance to rib me or scold me (joined as always by my other two older brothers.)

With love, your sister,

June 18, 2002

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..DAVID W.LAYCHAK AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN...FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA.MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN

Laverne Berry

February 15, 2002

Dave was what one would call "an all-around great guy." I enjoyed working with him professionally and chatting about our families and careers. My prayers are for his family to cope with the loss of him through what are surely wonderful memories and the knowledge that others thought so highly of him.

Scott Cass

January 18, 2002

Dave and I were classmates at Syracuse University. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Dave was extremely well liked by all of his classmates. He was admired not only for his academic abilities but he was also an excellent athlete who carried us in every intramural sport we participated in. I'll always remember the laughs we had together. Dave was a devoted father and a great American. I am proud to have called him my friend.

LTC Scott Cass

Teresa Jahn

January 12, 2002

May warm memories of times shared with David lighten the sorrow in your hearts. We are deeply sorry for your great loss of David. May you always feel the warmth of his love surround you. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

Cheryl & Joe Griego

January 9, 2002

David was a co-worker and a dear friend of ours. He had a gift of making others feel special. He was a talented professional. He had a great sense of humor, and love for family and friends.

We miss you Dave.

Marianne Flynn

January 2, 2002

David was a cousin of mine whom I never had the opportunity to meet. My heart goes out to Laurie,his wife, and Zachary & Jennifer his children. You are all constantly in my prayers. May God bless you and His peace be with you.

~Jamie Graves~

December 31, 2001

Hello.......i have had a hard time with the holidays, thinking of all the sadness in the world!! ~ you are in my thoughts/prayers....we never know what the next day holds for us.....i have learned to appreciate and do more..god bless you!! ~ proud sailors wife!! ~ we wish you all the best....jamie

Dennis Slott

November 21, 2001

I was a teamate, fraternity brother and friend of Dave's at Brown. I am so sorry to hear of the news. "Bucko" would always make us laugh and was truly a great person to be around. Our prayers are with you Laurie and the kids. We were all lucky to know Dave. Dennis

Jan and Zane Azbarea

October 30, 2001

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Cheryl Bain

October 17, 2001

Laurie, I read about your loss in the paper where I found you had graduated from HBA 8 years before me. May God Bless you and your family.

Laura Wallace

October 16, 2001

Bless you Laurie and your family. I know that you will keep David's memory in your children's hearts.

JAMES MCCarthy

October 10, 2001

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God Bless you and your family.

Barbara Bolin

September 24, 2001

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

DAVID MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results

Make a Donation
in David Laychak's name

How to support David 's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Laychak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign David Laychak's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 13, 2019

Tom H posted to the memorial.

February 1, 2016

Del Newberry posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2014

Diane Wiertel-Malkiewicz posted to the memorial.