Donald L. Lydy July 25, 1934 - June 27, 2022 La Mesa, CA
It is with heavy hearts we remember the legacy of a prominent member of our community, Donald L. Lydy, AIA. Donald passed away on June 27, 2022, at the age of 87. He has been a resident of the San Diego area since 1956.
Don was born on July 25, 1934 and raised by Cecil and Ruth (Davenriner) Lydy in a rural farming area of Bluffton, Indiana, a heritage Don was always proud of. After graduation from Lancaster Central High School, he entered the U.S. Navy and served for 4 years during the Korean war. He met the love of his life and soon-to-be wife, Barbara Morton, while stationed aboard a Navy ship in San Diego.
From 1957 to 1999 Don enjoyed a successful career in architecture. First, with Frank L. Hope and Associates. Then, as Base Architect and Director of Planning and Design at Naval Air Station, North Island. While employed by the architectural firm of Frank L. Hope and Associates, he was involved in the design and construction of San Diego Golden Hall Convention Center, Mesa College, and parts of Sharp and Mercy Hospitals, as well as a variety of other projects. He finished his career as Head of Facilities Planning and Engineering, and Manager of Natural and Cultural Resources for NOSC. For 22 years Don also operated his own architectural practice. He also ran an in-home bible study program for 23 years.
In 1999, Don retired to pursue his lifetime dream of being a full-time artist. He spent his remaining years enjoying his passion as a painter.
Don was a prominent and active member of the AIA community, and remained a part of The AIA San Diego Retired Order of Old Fellows (ROOF) group.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Lydy; his son Kevin (Dorothy); 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Randy Lydy and his daughter Beth Anne (Lydy) Smith.
Interment will be on July 27, 2022, at 10am at Glen Abbey Memorial Park with a service following at 11:30 at Faith Chapel in Spring Valley, CA.
