Robert Edward Laskey

Robert ‘Bob’ Edward Laskey was a devout Catholic — Eucharistic Minister; Knights of Columbus. Married to Marlene Gaysek in 1976; two daughters, Gabrielle Anntoinette (C. Glen Williams) of Charlottesville, VA, and Noelle Dominique (Drew Smith) of Columbus, OH; two grandchildren, Lucas Edward Smith, and Evelyn Anne Smith.

Bob was the son of Helen (Mihalich) and Edward Ted Laskey of Pittsburgh, PA; brother of David Laskey of Portage, PA; Donald Laskey (deceased) (Jodie, widow); Susan K. Laskey of Conway, PA; brother-in-law to Cynthia and Larry Wentzel of Fort Myers, FL; Frank and Sheila Gaysek of Wexford, PA; and Randolph and MaryAnne Gaysek of Pittsburgh, PA; uncle to Sherry Sossong (Roger) of Portage, PA; Danny Laskey (Cindi) of Clearwater, FL; Eddie Laskey; Morgan Joelle Laskey (fiancé, Mike Ferrone); Mason Donald Laskey (Mandy) Gibsonia, PA; Jeremy Gaysek (Tammy) of Chiang Mai, Thailand; Alicia Durham (Jamie) of Senoia, GA; Rachel Gaysek, of Pittsburgh PA; and James Gaysek (Sonia) of Centreville, VA; great uncle to Cole Sossong, Chloe Sossong, Keira Sossong, Dominic Ferrone, Noa Gaysek, Mia Gaysek, Isla Durham, Merrin Durham, and Joao Gaysek; in addition, “brother from another mother” to William and Sandy Lazzara of Brighton Heights in Pittsburgh, PA.

He graduated from David B Oliver High School in 1963; US Air Force 1963-1969 — Viet Nam Vet; Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Penn State University. He joined Chesters Engineering as Civil Engineer with Environmental Emphasis: Alcosan Water Treatment; Municipal clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Bob moved to Dallas, TX in 1976 and joined Herman Blum Engineering, eventually forming Needham Wright Laskey, an independent firm. He moved to northern Virginia and began working for Bengsten DeBell and Elkin, an engineering company with contracts throughout the region and District of Columbia. Returning to Pittsburgh in 1993, he continued his engineering career at HDR Engineers, a national firm, steering major water conservation projects in Hawaii and other US locations. He retired in 2012 and moved to Southwestern Florida.

Bob was self-effacing, but he always stood out in a crowd for his patrician appearance — straight posture, immaculate grooming, deep baritone voice, and irresistible smile. He had a great sense of humor; and when he laughed, you could not help but join him. Bob was comfortable being the one people relied upon — for everything. Like the consummate engineer, whatever the task, he attended to each detail meticulously. Kind and selfless, he absolutely believed in the Christian concept of resurrection and reuniting with God. On this earth he walked with God every day of his life, pure in spirit and forgiving in nature. Bob was non-judgmental — even when people let him down, he gave them the benefit of the doubt. Babies, puppies and kittens instinctively were drawn to him because he was gentle and welcoming.

He loved grilling and was really good at it. And he grilled everything. He enjoyed a fine scotch — especially as he tended his grill and listened to MoTown from the sixties.

Bob loved the things many of us find tedious: He liked mowing the yard, planting landscape plants, repairing worn-out objects, designing solutions to his wife’s annoyances, caring for the pets. And he loved the Corvette he was finally able to purchase after a life-long craving for one. He decorated 1/3 of the garage with signs, posters, and Corvette memorabilia. His collection of miniatures, coffee-table Corvette books, and magazines rivals Chevy’s. It would not be a surprise if God has one waiting for him to try out right now.

This charming, handsome, loyal man will be missed by many for a long time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in PA. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.