Robert James Seiyu Lanaghan

Robert James Seiyu Lanaghan

June 12, 1964 - May 8, 2024

Robert James Seiyu Lanaghan, beloved husband, brother, uncle, Buddhist, musician, teacher, and textile artist, of Brooklyn and Shokan, New York, died too soon on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his home in Brooklyn, New York, surrounded by loved ones and beauty.

Bob was born on June 12, 1964, to Mary Jean and David Lanaghan in Davenport, Iowa, where he added music and sweetness to a large and unruly family. At St. Paul's Church/School and Assumption High School, he performed with gusto in plays, choirs, concerts, and many church services. At a summer crafts program for kids in Garfield Park, he discovered the joy of making things by hand.

After achieving a degree in Music Performance from the University of Iowa, Bob moved to New York City, where he joined his brother, Mark and met his life partner, artist, Matt Yanchuk.

As a high school music educator, Mr. Lanaghan led students on music trips and organized countless performances until December 2023, when he retired due to advancing melanoma. As a choral singer, he last performed at Carnegie Hall in 2023.

Bob Seiyu leaves a legacy of mindfulness, gentleness, and persevering connection, along with hand-crafted articles that were sewn, knit, woven, spun, dyed, and otherwise crafted with beauty and purpose.

He is survived by his partner of 35 years, Matt Yanchuk; his siblings: Mark, Kevin, Matthew, Patrick, Brian, and Mary; his brother-in-law, Mike Yanchuk; his sister-in-law, Patti Yanchuk; his nieces: Katie Amos and Molly Peppers; his nephew, Michael Yanchuk; and his cat, Kali. He reunites with his parents, David and Mary Jean, his beloved brother, Paul, and other loved ones who preceded him into the next realm.

Bob's memory can be honored through the everyday practices of kindness and enjoyment of music and beauty.