James P. "Pete" LeMay

James P. “Pete” LeMay, 69, of Westerville, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 7, 2021 at St. Ann’s Hospital after suffering a massive stroke.

He was born in 1951 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the third of four children to the late Henry (Hank) and Doris LeMay.

He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1969. He served in the U.S. Navy in the medical/surgical field from 1969-71. After his discharge, he moved to the City of Rock and Roll, Cleveland Ohio. He worked for the City of Cleveland EMS in the late 70’s and 80’s. He then obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in Cleveland and was a licensed Registered Nurse until 2017.  He lived briefly in North Carolina until his first stroke brought him back to Ohio in 2017.  Pete took pride in his Nursing career, and was recognized for outstanding service both as a Paramedic and an RN in Cleveland. He was a compassionate nurse, educating families and nurses on Natural Death with Dignity.

His passions were boating, fishing, music and concerts, drawing designs and creating landscapes, motorcycles and biking. He successfully owned and Captained a fishing Charter Boat on Lake Erie. He created music playing both drums and guitar, just beginning to create new songs after his first stroke robbed him of his ability to process and communicate. He loved riding his motorcycles Harley and Davidson, leading to his enjoyment of watching Motorcycle Races. He settled into riding his Trek along Lake Erie once his Harley days were done. He was an avid Cleveland Indians fan, counting down the days until the 2021 season began. He loved the Cleveland Browns as well, proud of their accomplishments last month in the playoffs. He had dad’s humor and mom’s great cooking genes.

He is survived by his brother, Michael H. (Carol) LeMay of Lancaster, Ohio and sister Dr. Diane M. LeMay, OPA of Westerville Ohio. He leaves behind his niece, Jennifer M. (Greg) Firestone of Pickerington Ohio and nephew, Jonathon M. LeMay of Lancaster Ohio and great-nephews and great-nieces Brandon, Caleb and Hannah Firestone and Cameron and Norah LeMay. His beloved Boston Terrier, Ali will remain with his sister. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Henry S. and Doris B. LeMay, and infant sister, Diane M. LeMay.

Due to the Covid pandemic, there will be no calling hours. A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Thomas More Newman Center with the Rev. Fr. Ed Nowak, C.S.P. presiding. Rite of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 1 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Lancaster Ohio. Contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to the Fairfield Co. Humane Society 1721 Granville Pike, Lancaster OH 43130, fairhumane.org or Harmony Project 779 E. Long St. Columbus OH 43203, harmonyproject.com.

Frank E. Smith Funeral Home in Lancaster Ohio is in charge of Pete’s funeral services.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.