Obituary of Olavi A Lehto

Olavi A. Lehto, 78, of Peabody, died Sunday afternoon at his home following a brief illness. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late John and Olga (Hokkanen) Lehto. He was a lifelong resident of the city, attended Peabody Public Schools and was a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1944. He later attended several technical schools on the North Shore. After High School, he joined the Merchant Marine and served for over three years. He later enlisted with the United States Army in 1950 and served for two years during the Korean War with the United States Army. He worked twenty years doing HVAC work for the Massport Authority at Logan International Airport in Boston, prior to his retiring in 1981. He also was a skilled craftsman and tradesman who worked second shift with his friends in the trades. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed sailing, golfing and hiking, and was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and St. John’ s Lutheran Church, Peabody. After his retirement, he also enjoyed wintering in Port Charlotte, Florida. He is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Diana and Steve Bartosik of Middleton and Rebecca Munroe of Newburyport, a sister, Helen Waters of Peabody, several nieces, nephews and his long time companion, Donna Rice of Port Charlotte, Florida. He was the brother of several late brothers and sisters. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Peabody Facility to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. At the request of the family, please do not send flowers, instead, donations can be sent in his name to either St. John’ s Lutheran Church, 32 Ellsworth Rd., Peabody, MA 01960 or the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923