PITTSFIELD, Mass. — William J. Lake, 54, of Pittsfield, Mass., passed away January 24, 2018, at his home, after a long illness. He previously lived in Stuyvesant Falls and Albany, N.Y.

Born on May 4, 1963, he was the son of Patricia Kelley Lake and the late Robert Lake. He was a graduate of Taconic High School and Siena College, where his passion was pitching for their baseball teams. He was also an avid golfer who participated in various charity tournaments.

Bill worked for the State of New York as an Auditor for 20 years, then in the Charter School Community, first as Vice President of Finance at the Charter School Institute and then as Chief Financial Officer at the Brighter Choice Foundation.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia Lake; his brother, Kenneth Lake; his nieces and nephews, Edward (Melissa), Eddie, Lilianna, Jessica, Devon and Joseph Ferris and Rebecca (Robert) Navin, all of Pittsfield; his soul mate of 25 years, Patricia Engel, of Chatham, N.Y.; and a step-daughter, Kira Hunt-Parker. He was a much loved "Grampa Billy" to Dylan, Haukin and Liam Parker. 

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his sister, Karen Ferris.

Funeral notice: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 125 Humane Society Road, Hudson, NY 12534. There will be an informal Memorial Luncheon on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Elks Club, 2750 NY-9H, Kinderhook, N.Y. All are welcome.