I used to play baseball with both Billy and his dad at Nassau Haven Park as we lived around the corner from each other. So very sad to hear this news.

For those of us from Billy’s era, our memories are often more in our minds than in iPhone photos. I have distinct images in my mind of seeing Billy around school in junior high and high school, and he was always smiling and happy. I am sure he brought great love and happiness to everyone around him throughout his life, and I am so sorry to all of you for your loss.

I was so saddened to learn of Billy’s passing. We had so much fun at GCHS, and I was also a Camp Bernadette camper (sister camp to Camp Fatima). He will be missed.

Laker entered my life my first day at Hamilton College, living directly across the hall (Laker, Piker, Zucker…. Talk about a recipe for fun/shenanigans). It was easy to under-estimate Bill, but not for long. Throw him a guitar, a soccer ball or an historical reference, and he would quickly show you something. But all that talent and intelligence was wrapped in humility and a joker’s disguise. Oh, and he was as loyal a friend as you could find. Truly, he was a remarkable person. I’m sure anyone reading this understands because you knew Laker. My life is better for having known him.

I first met Billy at pre Season Soccer our freshman year. We realized we both played guitar as well. We quickly began jamming , and I realized Laker could figure our and play anything by ear- such a talent. I remember those hours of jamming with a great fondness. I've spent my life making music proffesionally. bill was one of those true talents musically that I've had the pleasure to Jam with . I'm sure there is a rock and roll Heavan now!

No Laker! No Party! He was so much fun and such a talent. Really enjoyed him as a friend at Hamilton and in San Francisco. Nothing better than Rundo and Laker at The Pub!
Peace, Laker.

When I was first introduced to Bill, I knew him as "The Laker."
People would say, "Hey did you see "The Laker?" "Where did "The Laker" go? There's a soccer game going on, is ,"The Laker" playing Oh yeah, he was also known as, "Bill" or just "Laker."

I had the pleasure to meet Bill, Stephanie, David, his Mom and Dad, and his grandmother who introduced me to sprinkling salt on the morning's cantaloupe.

There were so many good times, memorable moments, and adventures that were probably never shared with anyone, including going to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox, and I recovered the baseball that Jim Rice hit over the stadium wall, having seen it bounce over a fence. My brother Jim and Bill were the only people who saw me scale that fence, get that ball, and show them that prize, while I was on medical restriction at Camp Fatima, whereas I had a hematoma in my leg that made it swell with blood.

I pulled a lot of stunts in my day, and Bill "The Laker" and my brother always had the most patience with me. Bill Lake had a lot of patience, because he did put up with such an immature person like me.

I recently read about Bill being intelligent, well that was an understatement. He was quite the genius, but humble, humorous, quick with a wit, and so many other good things.

I do not remember any bad things that he did, but always remember the bad "immature "things that I did, and he put up with me like a Saint.

Let's all pray for Bill Pellow, and all souls of his family, so that we all may be reunited in Heaven, because it is never too late to pray, because God knew that we would pray for them, and every little bit helps. I will keep Bill Lake, his parents, grandmother, and all of Bill's family in my daily prayers, just as I have since I learned of his passing.

May God bless, Bill "The Laker" Lake, now and forever. Amen.

So many great memories with Billy. From Little League baseball, to soccer, and to classes. An amazing guy. Although we haven't been in touch for years, I have the fondest of memories. RIP my friend.