Donald L. Lydy, 87, passed away at his home in La Mesa, Calif. on June 27, 2022.
Don was born in Anderson, Ind. on July 25, 1934, to Cecil and Ruth Lydy and grew up in Murray, Ind.
After graduating from Lancaster Central High School in 1952, he joined the Navy for a four-year tour during the Korean War. One of the highlights was playing basketball and baseball for the Commandant Eighth Naval District HQ in New Orleans, which meant traveling all over the South playing other military bases, colleges and universities.
After release to inactive duty, he attended California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo to major in architecture. Don has been a resident of the San Diego area since 1956 and has been a successful practicing licensed architect in the Southern California area for 43 years.
After retiring in 1999, he followed a lifetime desire and became a full-time artist. He produced and sold hundreds of paintings, one as far away as Russia. He accumulated numerous awards during his career as an architect and his later career as an artist. Don was a corporate and emeritus member of the American Institute of Architects and past president and long-term member of Kiwanis.
Preceding him in death is his daughter, Beth Anne, and his son Randy.
Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Barbara, his son, Kevin, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.