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Frank Lahey Obituary
He was born February 6, 1936 in South Bend IN where he spent his adolescent years and was the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Niespodziahy) Lahey.
He received his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University in 1960 and started working as an analytical engineer at Pratt & Whitney. In 1966 he received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at UConn and began teaching at the University of Hartford in 1970. He retired briefly in 2000 then taught part time at CCSU from 2008 until 2020.
Frank enjoyed teaching and loved his students. He was instrumental in starting a Formula SAE Race Car design program at University of Hartford where students (in a year's time) design, build and compete their car with other universities. He was an avid sailor here along the New England coast, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Most summers were spent sailing aboard his 33 foot sloop "Carousel" to Maine with his wife Carolyn and son David. He also enjoyed skiing at Stowe VT where he made many great friends and memories.
He loved listening to music on his treasured stereo system and was a big movie buff. During his later years, he had developed quite a knack for writing touching poems for his wife and special friends. Through his midwestern charm and wit, he acquired many close friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, David Lahey as well as several nieces and nephews.
It should be noted that Frank would have wanted to extend his sincerest thanks to the all the wonderful nurses and doctors who cared for him at the hospital. The attention and personal care he received from them was beyond excellent.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Notification of date will be sent via email and phone. In lieu of flowers a donation in Frank's memory can be made to University of Hartford, SAE Race Car Team, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117
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Elizabeth Allen
November 29, 2023
The boat photo captures his spirit perfectly. Professor Lahey generously shared his time and talent with so many students, even providing much needed night classes for those of us who worked during the day. He and Carol also hosted delicious and fun dinners on several occasions. He is missed.
Devdas Shetty
October 1, 2023
Deep condolences to Carol. We are deeply saddened by the departure of dear friend Frank Lahey. Both Carol and Frank had been our dear friends during our stay in Connecticut. Frank was a not only a friend, colleague, but was someone I used to interact on a regular basis. He was one of the best design engineers I had known. He had a knack of making Mechanical Engineering look simple and interesting. Frank's memory will live in our minds for ever.
Devdas Shetty
Michael Gabiga
September 28, 2023
Dr. Frank Lahey was an outstanding professor, friend, and mentor to me. If not for him I would not be the engineer I am today. During my senior year at the University of Hartford, he introduced me as an engineer with potential to a local consulting firm resulting in a summer internship that led to full time employment upon graduation. Dr. Lahey was an inspiration to me, always offering encouragement and positive reinforcement when I wasn't so sure of my potential as an engineer. He always had a way of breaking down the most complex problems with easy to grasp principles and formulas. Although I only knew Dr. Lahey for a relatively short amount of time, he had a profound effect on the entire course of my life. I am a better person for having known him.
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Beverly Francis
September 26, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Carol and David on the passing of Frank Lahey, husband and father.
I have fond memories of visits to his home with my late husband, Warren. Frank and he enjoyed long, spirited conversations on classical music which included their never ending goal to produce the best sound possible from Frank´s sound system.
Frank often spoke of his love of teaching and the joy he felt being with his students, He enjoyed sailing. He enjoyed good food and wines, He enjoyed life!!,
Dr. Nidal Al-Masoud
September 25, 2023
Dear Professor Frank J. Lahey's Family,
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Frank J. Lahey. On behalf of the Department of Engineering at Central Connecticut State University, please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Professor Lahey was a remarkable individual whose presence brought immense joy and knowledge to our academic community. His humility, wisdom, and friendly demeanor made him not only a cherished colleague but also a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
His dedication to teaching and sharing knowledge left an indelible mark on both students and colleagues alike. His enthusiasm for engineering was infectious, and he made the learning experience not only educational but also enjoyable. Professor Lahey's passion for his field enriched our department, and his contributions will be fondly remembered and cherished.
In this time of grief, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. While words may not fully alleviate the pain of your loss, we hope that you find comfort in the knowledge that Professor Lahey's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched. His memory will continue to inspire us in our work and endeavors, and we are grateful for the time we had to learn and grow alongside him.
Once again, please accept our deepest sympathies. Professor Frank J. Lahey will be deeply missed by all of us in the Engineering Department, and his memory will forever remain a source of strength and inspiration.
With sincerest condolences,
Dr. Nidal Al-Masoud
Chair, Department of Engineering
Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)
Wayne Strattman
September 25, 2023
Frank was a good a professor as any student could ever want. Very personable, friendly, along with technically challenging, he had style of teaching that led students to really understand the problems as well as the solutions. I use his methods regularly and have been for the past, Wow! nearly 50 years. I became life long friends with he and his wonderful wife, Carol as truly one of the warmest and most interesting couples Ive ever met. I will truly miss Frank.
DICK & JACQUES
September 24, 2023
DEAR CAROL & DAVID, ONCE AGAIN, WE SHARE IN YOUR RECENT LOSS, AND WANT TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST CONDLENCES TO YOU. MAY YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES GIVE YOU THE COMFORT, PEACE, AND STRENGTH TO HANDLE EACH DAY GOING FORWARD. WE WILL DO THE SAME. WITH OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY, SIMPLY AND SINCERELY, DICK & JACQUES
FUSHANG and Daisy Wei
September 24, 2023
Carol and David, our heartfelt condolences on your loss. May the love of friends bring you comfort today and in the days to come.
John (Fushang) and Daisy
Jim & Sylvia
September 23, 2023
Frank: As you continue on your journey may the your slopes be quick for skiing, your winds steady and seas calm for sailing.
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