Rudolph H. Lahti, of Ashby

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather Rudolph H. Lahti, 93, passed on to glory on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He joins his wife Barbara in Heaven and leaves his daughter, Ingrid Sweeney and her husband Scott, his son John Lahti and his wife Connie, all of Ashby; two grandsons Matthew Sweeney and his wife Elizabeth and Great-Grandson Leo Sweeney, who is on the way, of Newport, RI, and Jonathan Sweeney and his fiancé’ Alexis Williams of Fitchburg; Rudolph was born in Ashby on June 24, 1932, the son of the late Harold F. and Meimi I (Anderson) Lahti. He graduated from Ashby High School in 1950. Rudolph served his country enlisting in the US Navy in 1951 with active duty until July 1955. During that time he served on the U.S.S Elokomin and through his abilities was appointed by the Commanding Officer to Radioman Second Class in May 1955. Rudolph earned the Good Conduct Medal in 1954 and Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe clasp. Rudolph further served the Navy in the Ready Reserve from 1955 until honorably discharged in July 1959. While in Ready Reserve status, Rudolph attended Electronic Technician School in Boston, MA from September 1955 through September 1956. These learned skills served him well in his civilian career first with Fitchburg Paper, NH Ball Bearing, and then with New England Telephone Company where he was Electrical Installation Supervisor from May 1960 through May 1990. Rudolph was a lifelong member of Messiah Lutheran Church, where he faithfully served as an Usher, Missions treasurer, Elder, Council member, and a constant and steady support to the church and local community whenever called upon. Rudolph also was a devoted husband, father (in-law) and grandfather throughout his life, a testament to his selfless Christian values. Rudolph also enjoyed running, skiing and cycling competitively, being a member of the Finnish Ski Club, and the Floppenoffen Club. He competed in the Boston Marathon, and numerous times in the Finlandia Ski Marathon. Rudolph enjoyed dancing and performing with the Revontulet Finnish Folk Dance group. He also enjoyed traveling with family to Florida, Finland and Aruba. Rudolph was a kind, devoted and loving husband, father (in-law), grandfather and dear friend to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed, However we take comfort in God’s promises knowing that he is reunited with his wife Barbara and that we will be reunited with him in heaven. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 750 Rindge Road, Fitchburg. Interment at Glenwood Cemetery in the spring. Rudy’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours from 4- 7 PM Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street (Rte 119) Townsend Center.

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Rudolph H. Lahti, of Ashby

June 24, 1932 - February 3, 2026