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William Lomax Obituary
WILLIAM A. "BILLY", on April 26, 2009, at the age of 55, beloved husband of Rochelle "Shelly" (nee Donnelly); loving father of Tara and Dylan. Relatives and friends are invited to Billy's Life Celebration Thursday evening from 7 to 9 P.M. and Friday from 8 to 9 A.M. at CRAFT/GIVNISH OF ABINGTON, 1801 Old York at Old Welsh Rds. and to his Funeral Mass 10 A.M. at Church of St. Cecilia, Philadelphia. Int. Private. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Billy's memory to the Billy Lomax Memorial Fund, c/o Police and Fire Federal Credit Union, 7500 Castor Ave., Phila., PA 19152, would be appreciated.
www.lifecelebration.com
1-800-GIVNISH
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Memories and Condolences
for William Lomax
Gary Sunday
November 3, 2021
I am certainly sorry to hear about Billy´s passing away. Earlier today, one of my best friends and I from our Hopkinson Elementary School were talking about our significant grade school friends - and Billy´s name came up. I have such many good remembrances of Billy. Billy and I were the only two mutual drummers beginning in our later years in grade school. And in our teen and early adult years we often hung out together. I still remember Billy´s first drum set; as old as I am I may not remember everything exactly, but I seem to recall that his first drum set was a red-sparkle drum set (maybe from Sears at the time) with a double bass drum! I also remember that Billy´s dad, Mr, Lomax, was really cool. And he let Billy drive his really cool car at the time, so Billy was the first car driver we knew in our mid-teenage years. I may be wrong, but I seem to think now that his dad´s car was something like a `67 Chevy or something like that. There are so many more fond memories I have of Billy, but here it would take up too much time given all of the great memories I have of him. But I would certainly also like to say that before my wife and I moved out here to California so many years ago, we often went to see Billy playing in the terrific band he was playing drums for! Oh, and one more thing; I found this picture of Billy from our grade school class picture:
Christine Belcher
April 25, 2019
I cannot believe 10 years have gone by since Billy left us. When someone passes, it helps to know that a part of him lives on in each and every person who knew him and loved him. His legacy will carry on and spread out through the world. Sort of like the ripples from a rock thrown into lake. Love to family and friends.
Cheryl Santiago
April 24, 2019
Ten years may help ease the grief of his loss, but he will always be remembered in our music community. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Liz Massi
April 27, 2010
It's so hard to believe that a year has passed- we think of you and your family often... You are never far from our hearts! <3 <3 <3
Colleen McCann-Doyle
April 27, 2010
Rest in peace ,Thinking of you today and pray for you always, thanks for all the years of SMILES!!! God Bless you and your BEAUTIFUL Family always!
Trish
April 26, 2010
Your memory will never be extinguished. Your light shines on in the hearts of Shelly, Tara, Dylan and the countless friends and acquaintances that you have touched during your life. Sleep in Peace, Billy.
April 19, 2010
Almost a year has past since you went to Heaven, I Pray for you and think of you often,May you Rest in Peace Always.
August 17, 2009
Never far from my thoughts and prayers!
Colleen Doyle
July 12, 2009
God Bless you Tara, you and your family are in my daily thoughts and Prayers, My Husband lost his Mother this week , and I started thinking about all the wonderful people sent to Heaven this year, your Dad sure was one of them!Pray to Saint Theresa of the Little Flower, she will comfort and guide you always.God Bless, Colleen McCann-Doyle
Tara Lomax
July 9, 2009
miss you Daddy
John Gilbertson
May 17, 2009
My sympathy, and prayers go out to Bill, and his family, from the Gilbertson/Balan family
Linda K
May 4, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Billy's family and the many friends he has left behind. He will be truly missed.
Bill Riker
May 2, 2009
I'll miss Billy so much, and I'm grateful to have had him be a part of my life. I have so many great memories of recording with him in the basement, especially at Christmas time when we'd get together and jam Christmas tunes. He was a person that you could always count on. Rest in peace good friend.
Patty & Greg Ferrell
May 1, 2009
Shelly, Tara and Dylan, I don't know where to begin. My heart breaks for you and the pain that I know that you are all feeling. Billy touched all of us in a way that he will always be remembered with warmth and smiles. He will be missed by many and thought of often. Anyone that ever met Billy had nothing but good things to say about him and that is something to be proud of. His family was the most important thing to him and he loved you all dearly. He is at peace now and will always be with you he lives now in your hearts. Heaven's rock band just gained one hell of a drummer, he is with Tony and Michael again, and I am sure the jamming has already started. I for one am a better person for having had him in my life for as long as I did and look forward to one day seeing him jam in heaven with the boys. My love and condolences go out to you.
Barbara Mazzella
May 1, 2009
I did not know Billy well. He worked on several projects with my husband,Rocky (who was also taken from us much too soon)who thought very highly of Billy's talent. My few encounters with him were always pleasant and amusing. To Billy's wife...my heart goes out to you. I do know your pain and I hurt for you and what you are going through. You and your family are in my prayers. May God give you the strengh to get through this.
Liz Massi
May 1, 2009
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Mary Lou & Angela Kolenkiewicz
April 30, 2009
Dylan, Mrs. Lomax & Tara,
We're so sorry ~ your father/husband's death was much too soon. Please know you are in our continued thoughts and prayers. Dylan, I know your Dad is smiling and very, very proud of you. Let your tears come, your Dad can never be replaced. Be sure, though, your tears will turn into soft, comforting memories in the days to come. Life for your Dad is changed, not ended. He lives on right there inside of you, his love can never be taken away. Whenever you smile, extend your special kindness or simply by being you, your Mom and sister will see your Dad shining through. Please find comfort knowing that we love you and will be there for you.
May God's love cover and comfort you and your family during this awfully sad, difficult time.
Andrea Daniels
April 30, 2009
Thanks for the memories. From the Seducers / DEK, to Rockland and Hurricane / Galaxy. Billy had a way to make everyone feel special and welcome whether he knew you or not. He's one of kind. Heaven has taken another drummer and great friend from us, but just imagine the band that is up there waiting for the reunion we'll all have some day. To Bill's family, I am truly sorry for your loss and cannot imagine the pain you are feeling, but please remember, you now have a very special angel watching over you and keeping you safe. Billy will be missed by everyone he touched.
Cheryl Santiago
April 30, 2009
I met Billy when he was with Bonnie Parker, Richie Scarlett and DEK. I have many memories of the parties after the Galaxy gigs in the early 80s. Later, I was fortunate to have seen him play with the Missles. He will be missed by all. We were all lucky to have known him. Shelly, Tara & Dylan, my heart goes out to you. My deepest sypathies. He is now at peace and will always be with you.
Rest In Peace, Billy
Gail Morris
April 30, 2009
Words aren't enough to express memories of Billy and of what a great and loving person he was. From the Rockland years, to the DEK years and to his loving family that became his very life. Shelly, Tara and Dylan, my heartfelt condolences to you and know that we are all better persons for having had Billy in our lives.
tara lomax
April 29, 2009
Thank you everyone for everything. My family and I really appreciate it.
I miss my dad so much already. Life will never be the same without him. He was such a great person. He was the the kindest, most generous, caring, loving, down to earth person i have ever met in my life. I am so heart broken and I thank God that I have my mom and brother with me because I would not be able to do this without them. He is in a better place now and he is at peace.
Thank you everyone. Much love,
Tara
Janet Schumann
April 29, 2009
I have many many fond memories of Billy with the Dead End Kids, Richie Scarlett, and the Missiles. Long live memories of the Hurricane East, Galaxy and Street Road Cafe. A few years ago I put on a DEK tribute show, and somehow managed to get those guys together for one more show. Billy was so excited, I can still see his smile and gleam in his eye the night of the gig. I am definitely wiser for the time.
God Bless his wife and children, may you find comfort from all the love from friends and family.
Colleen McCann-Doyle
April 29, 2009
I met Billy in 1977 when I was 14 , he would drive up
'L" street every day in his copper sports car ,smiling and always said Hi, I would go see Bonnie Parker and The Missles at Genes, knowing Billy made my teenage years FUN, I have not seen or talked to him in about 3 years and I had no idea he was ill until recently, Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this time, I can not imagine the pain you are in right now but please know Shelly, Tara and Dylan even though I do not know you, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers and to Billy:May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Rest in peace always, Colleen McCann-Doyle
April 29, 2009
Dear Shelly, Tara, and Dylan,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dolores McDonald (Jeanes Cath Lab)
Yvonne Brink
April 29, 2009
I knew Billy pretty good, although I haven't seen him in many years. I met him when I was dating Dino, and he brought me over to a party at Billy's, then I became friends with everyone and would see them around at the Empire were I bartended and the Galaxy. I am so very sorry for this loss. Billy always made me laugh he was such a true person. I know that he is in a better place and they are forming a band as we speak. Maybe if we all listen real hard we can here them jam.
Chris Walthy
April 29, 2009
I met Billy back in the early Galaxy days. When I first started playing there, he was always supportive and made me (& I'm sure many others) feel like I belonged. He became a good friend through the years and we had lots of laughs. When I met my wife Laura, I got to know Billy much better than laughs, gigs and drinks. He was really special, he was a brother. Shelly, Tara and Dylan he loved you so much. You were his life and he loved every minute of it. We'll always miss ya bro. peace
Jim and Tracee Drnec
April 29, 2009
I always looked up to Billy, first as a drummer and later, when I got to know him better, as a person. His talent was outshone only by his generosity and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God Bless.
Joe DeLuca
April 29, 2009
I was very saddened to hear about Billy's passing. He was a great guy, husband, Father, friend and great drummer who I had the pleasure of recording. My prayers go out to him, his wife, kids, family and all the music community that will miss him.
Joe DeLuca
Bob Langish
April 29, 2009
I was very lucky to get to know Billy about 10 years ago. We spent many hours in his basement working on a lengthy recording project - but the things I remember most were all the laughs and classic good times we had down there. Billy was always at the center of it with his trademark laugh. On occasion during a long session, Billy would break out the Viking helmet with horns to lighten the mood. I never laughed so hard. We all had such a great time. Thank you Billy for all the laughs,for your great playing/engineering, for graciously hosting us and for your friendship.
I'm so sorry Shelly, Tara and Dylan. my thoughts are with you.
Never will forget you Billy
Debra kelly
April 29, 2009
Dear Shel,Tara and Dylan, I am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts are with you and so is my love I am actually at a lost for words To soon To quick I love you guys
Kevin "COZZY" Costello
April 29, 2009
Billy was not only a great musician but a true friend to those that knew him. I remember my first trip to "ROCKLAND" after a gig, Billy told me to make myself at home and he really ment it . It was not unusual to leave days later,and in those lean times Billy always shared watever he had. That is what was really at the core of Billy the need to be a friend, provider, and to be honest with you and move on from there. That is what Shelly saw and what fine a example of true frienship to leave as a legacy for Dlyan and Tara. He will be truley missed....
April 29, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Billy. We were lucky to have had the chance to watch him play and listen to him tell a joke or two. He had a great laugh.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Joyce Crusco Richmond
SALVATORE LA TORRE
April 29, 2009
(GOING WAY BACK)-WE WOULD HEAD OUT TO SEE THE BONNIE PARKER BAND & LATER RICHIE SCARLET'S BAND WITH BILL PLAYING DRUMS. I REMEMBER ONE TIME WHEN OUR BAND WAS JAMMING AT OUR PRACTICE HOUSE & RICHIE SCARLET'S BAND DROPPED IN TO HANG & CHECK US OUT. I BROKE MY SNARE HEAD, AND BILLY WENT OUT TO THEIR ROAD TRUCK & DUG TO THE FRONT FOR HIS SNARE & OFFERED TO ME FOR USE(THAT WAS COOL-AND NOT SOMETHING YOU WOULD GET FROM OTHERS). PRAYERS OUT TO BILL AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY !!!! SAL LA TORRE
April 29, 2009
We are very sorry for your loss. I saw Billy play for the first time in Wildwood NJ many years ago. Deepest condolences from Teeze/Roughhouse.
Weakley
Reggie Wu
April 29, 2009
Dear Shelly, Tara and Dylan - I am so sorry for your loss - I will definitely be praying for your family!
April 29, 2009
Billy will always be "The Strongman" to
many of his old bandmates. A talented musician and recording engineer, his timing on the drums was impeccable, and nobody played harder. He always had an easy laugh and a laid back attitude. We used to laugh when he'd say, "let's not rehearse too much, we won't sound fresh." But he meant it, and so we never did. I thank God that I had the chance to get together to play and record with him again when the Resistors reformed in 2007.
Our deepest condolences to Shelly, Tara,
and Dylan.
We'll miss you Billy, but we won't forget you.
Our loss is God's gain....
Greg K.
Donald Cugini
April 29, 2009
Billy sought me out and became my true friend. He taught me, how to be a true friend to others.Adults, children musicians, athletes, builders and dreamers, we all surrounded Bill like planets circling a sun. He drew us in and shared his generous spirit with us all. I am better man because of Billy. God Bless You, Shelly,Tara and Dylan
Kelli Peterson
April 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May your memories bring you comfort. Billy was truly an amazing person and extremely talented individual. He touched so many peoples lives. He is loved and he will be missed... but His spirit will live on and always be with you.
Annie Foley
April 29, 2009
Anthony and I are soo sorry for your loss. Billy was a great person who will be missed by all who knew him. We really appreciate the great influence that he was in Pat's life. Please know that you will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Liz Massi
April 29, 2009
My deepest condolences to all of Billy's family and friends. Special hugs for Shelly, Tara and Dylan. Billy's passing has saddened me to my core.. a life-long friend and an amazingly talented man.. he is surely loved and will be sorely missed. Farewell, Sweet Friend.. You shall forever remain in our hearts.
Liz Massi (nee West) and family.
Michele Natkin(Trachtman)
April 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 29, 2009
Dear Shelly, Tara and Dylan,
We were so very sad to hear about Billy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Sean, Andrea, Conor and Rachel Brophy
April 29, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Christine Belcher
April 29, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Billy. He and my brother Michael Bertolino, who passed away 12 years ago, were good friends and band mates. Seeing him play with Dino and the Missiles brought back good memories of days gone by. I told him then that a drummer's brain must be pretty amazing to be able to "multi-task" like that. He always talked to me down Pennypack during their summer concerts. I can see him on his beach chair. What a nice guy for sure. Well, he'll be taken care of up in heaven, you can count on that. We'll miss you, Billy.
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