Frank J. Lahey, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Hartford for decades, died on September 17. He arrived at UHart in 1970 and retired in 2000, but kept teaching as an adjunct faculty member for an additional 10 years
Lahey was known for his devotion to teaching and to the students under his guidance. One noted extracurricular activity for which he was known was a Formula SAE Race Car design program at the University of Hartford, which he helped found.
“Professor Lahey was an inspirational teacher,” says former student Bob Celmer '78, current professor of mechanical, aerospace, and acoustical engineering and director of the acoustical engineering program in CETA. “At the start of every class, he would relate an interesting mechanical fact, such as ‘Did you know that the Boeing 747 can fly and land with just one engine operating?’ or ‘Did you know that the Volkswagen Beetle actually has a low drag coefficient?’ These kinds of tidbits whet our appetite for learning and deepened our interest in the subject.”
Lahey, who was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Marquette University before becoming an analytical engineer for Pratt & Whitney. In 1966, he received his PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut and four years later began his teaching career at UHart.
An avid sailor, skier, and lover of movies and music, Lahey in his senior years took to writing poetry, which he presented to his wife, Carolyn, and to his friends—of which he had many.
Donations in Lahey’s memory can be made to the SAE Race Car Team at the University of Hartford through the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.