William Thomas Lakas

William Thomas Lakas, 99, died peacefully on January 31, 2025.

William Thomas Lakas was born in Brighton, MA to the late Thomas and Cleopatara Katsoulakos. As a young man he moved with his family to New Jersey where William graduated from Central High School. After high school without hesitation he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country on a destroyer escorting ships carrying troops and supplies across the dangerous North Atlantic during WWII. His honorable discharge was in 1945 . He then met and married the love of his life, Rebecca Young Lakas on May 5, 1951 in Brookline, MA. The two spent the first years of their marriage living in Newark, NJ and starting a family. In 1961 they moved to West Caldwell where they raised their family and he continued to live until 2021.

William Lakas was the owner, operator and chef at the Snack Shop Restaurant in Montclair, NJ which he operated for almost 50 years. He knew most of his regulars and treated them warmly when they came to dine. He worked tirelessly, never complaining and ensuring his family was well taken care of and well educated.

His special time was cruising with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Becky Young Lakas, his cherished daughter Connie Sophia Weiss and her late husband and his son-in-law Steven Weiss.

Surviving is his son Gregory Young Lakas, his dear grandchildren Ryan, Lyndsay, Zack, Maria and William. He also has 4 great grandchildren Lucas, Tessa, Noelle and Henry.

Visitation will be held from 9:00AM to 11:00AM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM. Entombment with military honors will follow at Restland Memorial Park, 79 Deforest Ave, East Hanover.