John Adam Lash

John Adam Lash, 89, of Yorktown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, after battling Alzheimer’s and congestive heart failure.

He was born in Barhamsville, VA, grew up in West Point and served in the Army National Guard. He was a devoted Catholic and lifelong member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Yorktown, where he served as usher.
After attending RPI – Richmond Professional Institute (VCU), John had a long career in the Marine / Naval Design field starting first at Newport News Shipbuilding in the late 1950’s. After 22 years with Newport News Shipbuilding, he continued his career for another 22 years at Marine / Naval Contractor, M. Rosenblatt & Son, Inc. where he retired as Manager of HVAC Systems in 2000.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed a variety of sports – both participating & spectating. He played softball, bowled, indulged in sport fishing & loved his horseshoes & cornhole. He also loved watching football, was a big NASCAR fan & kept up with both college football & basketball.
More than anything though, John enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and especially delighting in his grandchildren. It was rare for him to pass up an invite to an event and he always looked forward to a social calendar of BBQs, parties and special gatherings. Family get-togethers typically offered an opportunity to get a card game started – he loved playing Setback and Hearts.
In Yorktown, John designed his home and maintained it with pride. His garden and his yard, with its many azaleas, he kept immaculate and this brought him great enjoyment
He, his wife Ann and their family took regular trips to their cottage in Nags Head. John always walked the beach to survey the shifting sands, catch up with neighbors, and keep track of nearby building projects, or he’d spend hours soaking up the sun in his favorite chair with his favorite drink in hand.
Fortunately, he enjoyed a long retirement. This enabled John & Ann to travel extensively with family and friends to Alaska, Canada, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe.
John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Annette Pierce Lash, who passed away in 2018; his mother & father, Mary Lash & Adam Lubno; his stepfather, Paul Lash; and his sisters Helen O’Connor & Annie Fary. He is survived by his two daughters, Jo Ann Modzelewski (Dave) of Yorktown, Linda Schumacher and her children, Lauren and Ryan of Hampton, their father, Steve, his great-granddaughter Reece, and many extended, loving family members. His friends were countless.
Our family wishes to thank all of John’s care staff at The Hidenwood – memory care unit (Inspirita’s) and to express our immense gratitude to his care team from Heartland Hospice these recent months. You are all angels.
The family will receive visitors at the Amory Funeral Home in Grafton (Yorktown) on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Parklawn Memorial Park Chapel with a reception to follow in Hampton. Memorial donations may be made to the York County Church Women United Food Closet, 300 Ella Taylor Road, Yorktown, VA 23692. Arrangements are by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton.