John Joseph Lafata lived and learned in Ortonville, but made a big impact on Clarkston High School.
Lafata, who died Oct. 15 at the age of 16, was in his second year with OSMTech at the high school.
“He was absolutely wonderful,” said Kyle Hughes, his OSMTech teacher. “He was the student that everyone loved. He understood everybody and was the kindest young man you could imagine. If you asked the kids, they can’t speak highly enough of him. It’s just a terrible loss.?
Lafata, a junior at Brandon High School, attended OSMTech for half the day to learn about science and math using technology and practical exercises.
“He was absolutely everywhere, working with every tool, figuring out how every process worked ? he was so smart,” Hughes said.
He was a member of OSMTech’s Team Rush FIRST Robotics team, helping to operate a custom-built robot in competition with other schools.
“He was one of two pit crew students, responsible for keeping the robot working,” she said. “He had a tremendous impact on the team after only a year.”
The team’s name, RUSH, stands for respect, unity, spirit, and heart, all qualities Lafata exemplified, she said.
“The kids here feel very left behind,? said Hughes. ‘He got everyone excited about robotics and about learning.?
Lafata was being treated for pneumonia at the time of his death.
He was the son of Matt and Paula Lafata, brother of Paul and Nina, and grandson of Eva Lafata and Marion and Dana Hall.
Prayer Service was Oct. 18 at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. Funeral Mass was Friday at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Ortonville.
Please see page 22A for John’s obituary.
Susan Bromley, reporter for The Citizen, contributed to this report.