Robert "Bob" Joseph Lavey
July 29, 1931 ~ November 9, 2017
Robert Joseph Lavey (age 86) died on Thursday, November 9, 2017 after suffering a stroke earlier in the week.
Bob Lavey was born in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Creighton Preparatory School. He began his college career at Creighton University, but interrupted his studies to join the Air Force in 1951, when the United States engaged in the Korean War. He attended the Air Force’s language school at Syracuse University where he studied Russian. After a year, he shipped to Japan then to Ch’o-Do Island off the western coast of North Korea, a hundred miles north of the 38th Parallel.
In 1953, he returned to the United States and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Colchin. He finished his bachelor’s degree in Russian studies at the University of Nebraska then began a master’s program in Russian history at University in Kansas. The CIA recruited him before he completed his master’s work, and he and Patricia moved to Washington D.C. where Bob became a CIA officer.
Bob and Patricia raised seven children while moving numerous times within the United States, with three stops in Washington D.C. Bob’s final posting was to Canberra, Australia. Soon after Bob and Patricia returned to the United States in 1987, he retired from the CIA, then did contract work for the Agency for a few years.
In full retirement, he discovered his artistic side and became an accomplished photographer. He entered numerous local contests in the Vienna, Virginia area. He took great pride in his Irish heritage, and even greater pride in being the father of seven children. He was the devoted father of Michele, Kevin, Martha, Matthew, John, Patrick and James; the grandfather to eight grandchildren; and the great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim and Jerry, and his sister, Mary, a Mercy nun. His daughter, Martha, passed away in April 2017. Bob and Patricia were married for 64 years.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. Mark Catholic Church 9970 Vale Rd, Vienna, VA 22181. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s name to Solanus Casey Center
http://www.solanuscenter.org/ways-to-help/donations
Bob Lavey was born in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Creighton Preparatory School. He began his college career at Creighton University, but interrupted his studies to join the Air Force in 1951, when the United States engaged in the Korean War. He attended the Air Force’s language school at Syracuse University where he studied Russian. After a year, he shipped to Japan then to Ch’o-Do Island off the western coast of North Korea, a hundred miles north of the 38th Parallel.
In 1953, he returned to the United States and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Colchin. He finished his bachelor’s degree in Russian studies at the University of Nebraska then began a master’s program in Russian history at University in Kansas. The CIA recruited him before he completed his master’s work, and he and Patricia moved to Washington D.C. where Bob became a CIA officer.
Bob and Patricia raised seven children while moving numerous times within the United States, with three stops in Washington D.C. Bob’s final posting was to Canberra, Australia. Soon after Bob and Patricia returned to the United States in 1987, he retired from the CIA, then did contract work for the Agency for a few years.
In full retirement, he discovered his artistic side and became an accomplished photographer. He entered numerous local contests in the Vienna, Virginia area. He took great pride in his Irish heritage, and even greater pride in being the father of seven children. He was the devoted father of Michele, Kevin, Martha, Matthew, John, Patrick and James; the grandfather to eight grandchildren; and the great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim and Jerry, and his sister, Mary, a Mercy nun. His daughter, Martha, passed away in April 2017. Bob and Patricia were married for 64 years.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. Mark Catholic Church 9970 Vale Rd, Vienna, VA 22181. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s name to Solanus Casey Center
http://www.solanuscenter.org/ways-to-help/donations
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Rest In Peace
Dann
GOD bless my dear friend ‘Detroit Bob’. Thanks for being my friend and giving me guidance on the many afternoons in McLean. I have drawn on your wisdom and experience and will share what you’ve taught me with others. May your lovely wife and beautiful family find peace and comfort during this difficult time. RIP. Hugs, Nancy Logan
It was with great sadness that I learned of Bob’s passing. He was one the most outstanding officers that I ever worked with or for. Carmen and I hope that Pat and the rest of the Lavey family find peace during this during this difficult time.
“My deepest Sympathy go to the Lavey family, may your memories of your loss loved one comfort you and your family today and always, please take comfort in God’s word at 2 Corinthians 1:3 “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort”. jw.org