Van Thompson Laskey

Van T. Laskey 71 of West Deer Township died tragically in a house fire along with his beloved canine Atreau on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. He is 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, Florida and sister Diane Beliskus (David) of Tybee Island, Georgia. 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, Florida, Army buddy Marcel Hurst of Sarasota, Florida, Wanda Stewart of Atlanta, Georgia, Karen Mehall of Texas and lifelong friend Tom Adams of New Kensington whom Van met at the age of 4.

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, Florida, 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 Vans life will be at a later time in Key West, Florida.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Wounded Warrior project.