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William Lacy Obituary
Bill was born June 8, 1950, to Mary and William Lacy in East Windsor Hill. Bill attended East Catholic High, the captain of the football team and avid basketball player, he went on to study at University of Dayton State, UConn and Manchester Community College, graduating with a degree in Culinary Arts.
Bill always had a passion for culinary, owning his first tavern with his brother Richard, Lacy's, in Ellington, followed by the Network Tavern in Manchester with his wife Debbie. Following his degree, he became the Food Service Director with Aramark at the University of Hartford, followed by Lyndon State College, and for 24 years at the U.S. Coast Guard with Aramark and most recently Acorn.
In 1981, Bill and Debbie met and were married in 1987 at "The Old Cottage." Bill and Debbie went on to have a beautiful relationship full of love, support, and family. Debbie's daughter Bianca quickly became a part of Bill's life, and he welcomed her as his own. The love they shared as a family was a strong and beautiful bond. The family's home became a place to gather year-round and was often the host of many BBQ's.
Bill was an active and proud member at the Christ the King Church, Knights of Columbus, and Ancient Order of Hibernians. Bill was generous with his time and spent any extra he had in his community, whether it was the annual Fish Fry, catering an event for charity, helping a friend move, or taking neighbors for errands. Bill would help anyone with anything at any time, always happy to help. He was loved and respected by many.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Mary and William; along with his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife Debbie; his stepdaughter Bianca; his in-laws who shared his home, Linda and Gordon Dailey. Bill is one of 11 children, sisters, Mary Ann, Margaret, Judy, Susan, Joan, and brothers, Joseph, John, David, and James; along with 23 nieces and nephews, having a special bond with his nephew Michael.
Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday, Feb 10, 2024, in the Christ the King Church, McCurdy Lane Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, or the American Diabetes Association. A celebration if his life will follow this Summer at his home. Condolences may be shared on Bill's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Lacy
Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.
Linda Dailey
June 2, 2025
Memories, love, sadness all the emotions as we approach your heavenly birthday Bill.
Linda
Linda Dailey
February 5, 2025
A year without you has been heartbreaking. Nothing feels the same. You live on in our hearts and our daily conversations Bill. Forever a part of us.
Tom McGeary
December 22, 2024
It´s Christmas and a time to remember friends like Bill, who helped make this week festive with the sparkle in his eye and the smile on his face.
Merry Christmas Bill...miss you, my friend...
Linda Dailey
December 21, 2024
A year ago we never imagined you would be gone in a few short weeks. Christmas this year is filled only with happy memories of all the years we shared as a family. Your picture and your words are a treasured reminder that fill each and every day. Miss you Bill.
Tom McGeary
February 9, 2024
I had the luxury of being Bills´ friend for the past 35 years. Witnessed him give his all for family and many, many friends. Benefitted so often from his friendship. You mention you needed help, he wouldn´t quit till the problem was fixed. That was Bill.
He loved his family. Loved his friends. Loved his job and the people he worked with. I will miss the laughter we had together.
RIP Bill.
William Harris
February 9, 2024
I am truly grateful for you and your willingness to offer opportunities to those who met you. Thank You Bill !
Taylor Winters
February 8, 2024
Mr. Lacy was a special person throughout my Coast Guard Academy journey. I will never forget and alway cherish his overwhelming kindness to all.
Ron Rirdan
February 8, 2024
A childhood friend of Bill and the Lacy family. So many great memories of playing sports and hanging out with the Jone´s and the Lacy´s on Old Main. RIP and Fly high my friend!
Jon Heller, CDR, USCG (ret.)
February 8, 2024
I started working with BIll nearly 20 years ago as I was responsible for requesting meals being delivered to countless locations across the Coast Guard Academy which facilitated enrichment events for athletic teams, clubs and activities, and special events. We worked nearly daily back then -- and as recently as this fall, Bill's team catered the meals for a high visibility conference critical to the Loy Institute's operation. No matter the event complexity or the requester's seniority, Bill ensured the team delivered quality meals, on-time, professionally and .. perhaps most importantly .. with ease. A true professional who built Leaders of Character across the dinner tables of 15 million plates.
...thank you for your service, Bill.
Gary Jones
February 8, 2024
I remember Bill being super dedicated to his job. I know I worked with him on several projects in the dining hall where his energy and thoughtfulness to the cadets always showed how he was looking to better their lives and stay at the acadedmy.
Fred Callahan
February 8, 2024
Bill; Was a fantastic friend of mine for many years. Unfortunately Chris and I are in Florida and unable to attend your final services and say good by.
I will miss you buddy.
RIP
Tom Schrage
February 8, 2024
Bill will be remembered for his strong faith in the Lord his Savior and for how he lived that out with compassion and caring for others. He´ll also be remembered for his work ethic and how as a boss he could be hard yet cared deeply for his crew. Bill had an infectious laugh, could tell a joke like no one else and knew how to draw people in. He loved his family especially his beloved wife and everyone knew they came first in his life.
On a personal note he was like a brother and as brother´s we had our moments but he was always there for me through lives toughest times. Spending several of his last days with him he had an assurance of his salvation in Christ and he knew where he was going; to the arms of his Savior. I thank God he is there now.
Devin McDonald
February 8, 2024
Bill was an amazing man and one of the most generous people I´ve ever met. Words can´t describe how much he will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family.
Linda and Gordon Dailey
February 8, 2024
Life will never be the same without you Bill. Over forty years of you always being such a huge part of our lives. Can't stop the tears.
Alex
February 7, 2024
Bill was fantastic and I remember him from my time at the Academy. Thank you for your incredible service and being a wonderful human for all of us.
Karen Mims
February 7, 2024
He'll Be missed. R.I.P. Heaven has another angel. Fly High Bill
Karen Mims
February 7, 2024
He'll be missed . Heaven has another angel! R.I.P.
Brenda and Bob Beal
February 7, 2024
This is heartbreaking news. Bill was the best and will be missed. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
edward corcino
February 7, 2024
Bill oversaw the mammoth operation of feeding the CGA family for over 22 years. With over 15 million meals served during his tenure, the largest Coast Guard food service operation, few could say they´ve had as much reach and influence over the morale of the CGA family as Bill.
Starting in 2001 while under the umbrella of Aramark Food Services, Bill had already lived a lifetime operating bistro´s and bars. He brought his expertise and compassion to the Coast Guard Academy with all intention of serving the community for as long as his legs would allow. He was known for giving a helping hand to his staff of cooks and servers, which he felt were his extended family, while also freely giving as much of his time as possible to ensure events for the CGA community were memorable for all parties involved. A truly giving and humble human being.
Edward Corcino
February 7, 2024
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Memorial Events
for William Lacy
Feb
9
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
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