Zachary E. Lavoy, Technical Sergeant, USAF (Fallen)
August 16, 1990 – November 29, 2023

USAF Technical Sergeant Zachary (Zach) Emmett Lavoy, 33, passed away November 29, 2023. He was among the eight service members who died when their Osprey military aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan.

He was born August 16, 1990, in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. He spent his childhood growing up in Lake Placid, Florida. He attended Mars Hill University in North Carolina until joining the military as an active-duty member of United States Air Force Sept. 2013. He has since lived all across the US, including Nellis AFB (NV), Hurlburt AFB (FL), Cannon AFB (NM), and Kadena (Okinawa, Japan).

Zach’s life was dedicated to serving others. He had a beautiful, servants’ heart. He laid down his life at the cross daily and fervently pursued a relationship with his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Zach enjoyed the beach, swimming, eating fine food, getting tattoos and spending time with his friends and family. He loved medicine and was committed to learning to serve his patients best. He was an encourager, teammate, teacher, and mentor. His character and values were of impeccable integrity and honor.

Zach answered the call few take, and he served proudly in the USAF for 10 years. He was an accomplished and compassionate medic. He served as a Medical Operations Flight Chief and was an honor graduate of the Independent Duty Medical Technician program. His career achievements highlight his steadfast devotion to serving his country, helping others, and doing right by his patients. During his career, Zach was recognized with the Air Force Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Meritorious Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster. He paid the ultimate price to protect our freedom and keep us safe.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving parents Richard Lavoy of Pembroke, Canada, and Gabriela Lavoy of Odessa, Texas; fiancé Alee Adams of Dallas, Texas; brother Jared William Lavoy and his life partner Robin Hodge of Ottawa, Canada; his best friends and partners in crime Joey Spurlock (Sarah) and Michael Wilkes (Kourtney); his beloved dog, Ace; the USAF special operations community, IDTM community and many friends and family.

Funeral service will be held Monday, December 18, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Sarasota Baptist Church, 7091 Proctor Road, Sarasota, Florida 34241. Interment with full military honors will follow at 2:00 pm at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 SR 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241.

Memories and condolences may be left for the family online at www.MFHcares.com

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