Harvey F Lavoy, Jr, 85, of St Petersburg Florida, formerly of Southbury, CT, died peacefully on March 31, 2017 surrounded by family.  Harvey was born on December 11, 1931 in Northampton MA to the late Harvey F and Henrietta (Greenwood) Lavoy Sr. His childhood was spent in Leeds MA, attending Leeds Elementary School and then Northampton High School. After embarking on a number of jobs in his youth, in 1951 Harvey started his career providing services for the developmentally disabled as an aide at the Mansfield Training School. This became his calling and in 1953 he moved to the Southbury area and began work at the Southbury Training School. During this period he met his former wife, Ann, was married in 1954 and started his own family. Harvey's 36 year career with the State Department of Developmental Services (formerly the Department of Mental Retardation) saw him rise from direct care aide, up through the ranks. After serving in a number of supervisory positions, in 1967 he was appointed Assistant Director of Residential Services at Southbury and in 1971 appointed Director of Residential Services at the Hartford Regional Center in Newington, CT.  Upon his retirement in January of

1987 Harvey moved to Florida, accomplishing his long held dream of live-aboard boating on his 41 foot Morgan sloop, sailboat, Movin' Up II, spending many years cruising the waters of Florida, the Bahamas and the intercostal waterway back and forth to New England. Harvey was at his happiest on the water.   

Harvey is predeceased by his siblings, Raymond E Lavoy, Edgar F Lavoy, Thomas L Lavoy, Janet M (Lavoy) Bebe, Roger E Lavoy and son-in-law, Peter G Barone. He is survived by his sister, Geraldine (Lavoy) McCaw of Wenatchee, WA, his former wife Ann M (Bower) Lavoy of Southbury, CT,  his 4 children and their spouse's;Harvey F Lavoy lll and his wife Angela of East Corinth, VT, Thomas D Lavoy and his wife Kelly of Waterbury, CT, Lisa A (Lavoy) Barone of Tampa, FL and Timothy E Lavoy and his wife Sandra of Portland, CT; 8 grandchildren, Nichole, Jessica, Maia, Raymond, Morgan, Maggie, Kristi, Nathan, 4 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.  In addition to being an avid sailor, Harvey was an accomplished amateur golfer, basketball and softball player.Harvey played many years on the Southbury Men's softball league and golfed at the East Mountain Golf Course and later at the Prospect Country Club, where in 1972 he won the Club Championship. He later became a member of the Torrington Country Club. He was an endearing, generous, dedicated individual who loved his family and who was passionate about the provision of quality services to the developmentally disabled. Harvey lived life on his own terms, consistently doing things his way, always finding loyal and lifelong friendships along the way. 

A gathering and remembrance of his life is scheduled by the family for Saturday May 6, 2017 a from 10:00 AM to 11:00  AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Berlin Memorial Funeral Home 96 Main Street, Kensington CT, 06037 with a reception to follow at 12 Noon at Casa Mia at the Hawthorne, 2421 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, CT 06037.  All family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Harvey’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Connecticut Special Olympics at 2666 State St #1, Hamden, CT 06517. Condolences can be sent to www.berlinmemorialfuneralhome.com

 The family would like to thank Harvey's friend Mr. Sam Swan, Visiting Angles of St Petersburg, especially Ms. Jennifer McGraw, and Suncoast Hospice of St Petersburg and for their care and dedication. 

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