Van T. Laskey

2025 - 2026

Van T. Laskey, 71, of West Deer Township, died tragically in a house fire along with his beloved canine, Atreau, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Joseph Laskey, and mother, Jean Thompson Laskey, of New Kensington; sister, Patty Jioia (John) of North Palm Beach, FL; and sister, Diane Beliskus (David) of Tybee Island, GA. He is survived by his brother, David Laskey (Judy) of New Kensington; along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his longtime friends, Karen Newell and her family, who helped Van throughout the years; college roommate, Mark Carroll of Jacksonville, FL; Army buddy, Marcel Hurst of Sarasota, FL; Wanda Stewart of Atlanta, GA; Karen Mehall of Texas; and lifelong friend, Tom Adams of New Kensington, whom Van met at the age of four. Van attended Valley High School. After graduation, he joined the Army, where he trained mentally and physically and became a Green Beret, which he was very proud of. After the Army, he attended Penn State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree. He worked for the state as a social worker for a few years before reenlisting in the military. After his military career, he was a private investigator. Van enjoyed scuba diving in Key West, FL, and going to the gym, and he was an avid collector of guns and war memorabilia. He loved walking his dog and working on vintage cars. A celebration of Van's life will be at a later time in Key West, FL. Arrangements have been entrusted to RJ SLATER IV FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, New Kensington, PA 15068. www.rjslater.com.