Francis "Frank" Lago

Francis Albert Lago, of Torrance, CA, known as "Frank" to his family and friends, passed away late in the evening at the age of 89 on February 18, 2015, due to lung disease and complications from a stroke. He was born to Frank Lago and Mary (Schab) Lago on September 14, 1925 in Oelwein, Iowa, and graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1943. That same year he joined the United States Army and served in World War II as a Technician Grade 5 until 1947. After a brief time owning and operating a gas station in Oelwein, he moved to the Los Angeles area with a group of friends, and began working for McDonnell Douglas as a machinist in the Torrance fabrication plant in July 1954. During his almost 35 years at Douglas, he advanced to General Foreman and became a well-respected member of the manufacturing team. In 1962, Frank married Patricia Keeley, also of Oelwein, and moved to Torrance in 1968, where they lived the rest of their lives. Upon retirement, Frank became involved in the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, Lomita Post 1622, where he was a Trustee, member of the Honor Guard, and Life Member. He and Patricia were regulars at the Post, and committed to various fundraising and advocacy events.


Frank lived with passion, and having been raised in by parents who immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island, and spoke no English, only Polish and Italian. As a young man he was an amateur race-car driver in Iowa. When he moved to the West Coast, he took flying lessons at Hawthorne Airport and flew in his Cessna with Patricia to their home state of Iowa. He became an avid boater, and successfully ventured from Long Beach to Catalina in a 16-foot boat with no radar or other modern conveniences. He also enjoyed boating and fishing at Lake Havasu, where he visited for many years.


He is survived by his only child, Kathleen Lago, son-in-law, Christian Nimsky, and twin grandchildren, Cole and Katelyn, of Torrance; His brother, Richard Lago, of Abilene, TX, friend since kindergarten at Sacred Heart, Edward Bellendier of Harbor City, CA, as well as many friends at the VFW and former colleagues from his years at McDonnell Douglas. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia in December 2013, his parents, his brothers Bernard Lago and Joseph Leszewski, and his sister Jennie Wisinski Adams. Frank dedicated many years to veterans' causes, and in lieu of flowers, would appreciate a donation in his honor to the VFW, Post 1622, 1865 Lomita Blvd, Lomita, CA.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275