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Walter Laake Obituary
Walter Edgar Laake Jr. (Age 79)
Walter E. Laake, Jr. of Hyattsville, MD peacefully transitioned on February 7, 2023. Born in Norfolk, VA on August 26, 1943, he was the eldest son of CAPT Walter "Ed" Laake Sr., USN (Ret.) and Jacquelyn H. Laake. Walter graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School (1961), University of Maryland College Park (BA, 1965), and University of Maryland School of Law (JD, 1970). Walter practiced law with the same group of attorneys he considered good friends, from 1971 until retiring in 2019. He was the Managing Partner at Joseph Greenwald & Laake, PA for 27 years, growing the firm from five to 35 attorneys. Walter led a life of service as a preeminent personal injury attorney. He established landmark legal precedents, winning substantial verdicts for countless individuals who suffered serious injuries. He volunteered with the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice and Trial Lawyers Care, offering pro bono services to victims of 9-11. He served as President of the Prince Georges County Bar Association, and President of the Maryland Association of Justice. Walter was a lifelong Terps fan, who thoroughly enjoyed live music, sporting events, global travel, movie classics and organizing reunions. Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Sandra Laake, their children; Dana Thomas, Kimberly Benson and Kevin Laake; his sons-in-law, Brendan Murray and Justus Benson; daughter-in-law, Sarah J. Laake; six grandchildren, Rasta Thomas, Caleb, Isaac and Nathan Benson, Katherine and Leah Laake; and his brothers Stuart H. Laake and Peter W. Laake. During the past three years, Walter experienced a precipitous decline in health. We are blessed he did not suffer and was surrounded by those who loved and cared for him. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD (Valet Parking), Monday, February 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mark the Evangelist, 7501 Adelphi Rd, Hyattsville, MD on Tuesday, February 14 at 10 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Laake
3 Entries
Fr. John Mudd
February 12, 2023
I was so sorry to hear of Walter’s death. We were classmates at John Carroll High School, graduating together in 1961, and we worked together over the years since organizing reunions. Walter was a leader in every aspect of life. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Sandy and his family. May he rest in eternal joy.
Ibrahim Kamara
February 11, 2023
I met the late Mr. Lake when his beloved daughter, Dr Dana Thomas solicited my opinion finding appropriate care for her dad. My first impression of Mr. Lake when I attempted to engage him was his prowess; I asked him what type of law did he practice and he responded as "I was a dam good lawyer). I did enjoy my company with him. He has gone but we know he´s in good place. Certainly, that´s the inevitable place for mankind. I sincerely expresses my deepest condolences to the family, especially, Mrs Sandy Lake his wife. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Ibrahim Kamara
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Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901
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