Obituary of Luke Laidley

Born on September 14, 1979, Luke Graham Laidley was the fifth of six kids to Forrest and Diane Laidley of Libertyville, IL.  Raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Luke was an avid athlete and grounded himself in faith as a graduate of Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein and Boston College where the tenant philosophy was to serve as men and women for others.

After graduating from Boston College with a degree in Finance, he took his first job at 21 years old with Morgan Stanley in New York City. Morgan Stanley was the largest tenant in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. His second day on the job was September 11, 2001.  As a survivor of the 61st floor of Tower 2, he later wrote, “I encourage all of us to count our blessings each and every day. Give of yourself and expect nothing in return. And become part of something that is greater than yourself.”

After 9/11 he moved back to Chicago, where Luke had a successful career in finance. He was a high school football coach at both Carmel Catholic and Loyola Academy, but his proudest accomplishment was his marriage with his wife Lauren (nee Damico).  Happily married for nearly 10 years, and blessed parents of Lucas (7) ,Vivian (5), and Logan (3).  His true passion in life was being a devoted husband and a loving father. Luke and his family moved to Winnetka, and joined the Catholic parish Faith Hope and Charity, where they are active parishioners and where their 3 children attend school.  

A true family man to his core, not only with his own wife and kids, but an incredible brother to his 5 siblings, inlaws, and uncle to 17 nieces and nephews. His smile lit up the room. He exuded positivity and perseverance with everything he did. He loved deeply and truly with all his heart.

Luke lived his life guided by his experiences and he had several that allowed him to bestow compassion, love, inspiration, and leadership to others.  He lived a hero’s song.

Luke Laidley embraced and lived this belief to the end on July 4, 2023 where he risked his life for the children who were struggling when their tube flipped on Lake Michigan.

His philosophy was to “Give of yourself and expect nothing in return.

And become part of something that is greater than yourself.”  He became part of something bigger, as his death will serve a greater purpose as an organ donor.

A life lived with purpose. A life lived to serve for others.  A life lived as a hero.

Husband to Lauren Laidley (nee Damico) and father to Lucas, Vivian, and Logan Laidley.  Son of Forrest and Diane Laidley, brother to Mary Sachs (Roland), Jeanne Whirry (Steve), Michael Laidley (Kathryn), Anne Sondalle (Craig), Maura Ziemann (Brandon). Son-in-law of Joseph and Pamela Damico.  Brother-in-law to Lindsay Bianco (Joseph), and Joseph Damico (Christine).  Uncle to Kayla, Jack, and Will Sachs; Molly, Forrest, and Aidan Laidley; Graham and Patrick Sondalle; Campbell, Maeve, Siobhan, and Emmett Ziemann; Joey, Claire, and Jack Bianco; Dominic and Dane Damico.

Funeral Mass for Luke will be at 10:00 am on Saturday July 15th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E Maple Ave, Libertyville. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday July 14th at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Pl, Libertyville, IL 60048. Funeral info (847) 362-2626

loveforlukelaidley@gmail.com

If there’s one thing my kids love the most, it’s hearing stories about their parents (most times at night before bed).  As another way to keep Luke’s spirit alive forever, please use the following email address to share any and all stories and/or memories you may have about our most favorite person.  We would also love to hear if/when you encounter any signs of Luke in the future.  We are looking daily for those signs and would love to know when our dear guardian Angel decides to show you a sign that he is still watching over all of us and guiding us.  

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Lauren, Lucas, Vivian, and Logan

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