Walter T. Lak, Jr.

The family of Walter "Ted" Lak sadly announces his passing on February 20, 2022, at Baystate Medical Center.  The son of Walter Lak Sr. (Ware, Ma) and Dolores Sokolek (Scranton, Pa), Ted was born in Springfield, September 13, 1952, the second of seven children.  Educated in Chicopee Public Schools, he later attended Westfield State University and Holyoke Community College.  Upon receiving his draft notice in 1972, he proudly joined the U.S. Coast Guard.  A veteran of the Vietnam Era, he served his Country for seven years.  His time in the Coast Guard took him to District Office Boston, to Manchester, N.H. as a recruiter, and serving aboard the USCGC "Sundew," where he spent a year breaking ice on Lake Superior, Michigan. 

He married his soul mate, Gloria (Winiarz) on September 16, 1973.  During his time in the Coast Guard, they had some pretty interesting adventures.  He often said their best time spent was living in Deering, N.H..  Returning to Massachusetts, they settled in Springfield.  In 1982, Ted started his own business, "Husky Cutter Grinding."  After 18 years, he sought employment at Industrial Precision in Westfield, Ma, where he remained until his retirement in 2015.  Ted also served two years in the Army National Guard, and received a Presidential appointment to the Selective Service Board, where he served 20 years.  Ted was a gentle, loving, unassuming man who loved to make people laugh, and placed few demands on others.  His pleasures were simple;  Playing his guitar, watching science fiction movies and cooking shows, and walking his dogs in the woods while picking mushrooms.

Ted was predeceased by his father in 1998.  He leaves his wife and best friend, Gloria (Winiarz), his mother, Dolores Lak of Chicopee, his sisters, Rosanna Brassard (Gilbert). Tina Lak-Lavoie (Jeff), brothers Alex (Lynn), Robert (Cheryl), and Christopher (Lucy).  He leaves a host of nephews and nieces, as well as the two he joked the most with, Thomas Merigan of Hingham, and Brian Lak, Nashua, N.H.  He also leaves his dear sister-in-law Christine Merigan, and brother-in-law Tom Merigan, both in Marshfield.  Finally, he leaves behind Forest and Jenna, his two felines, and his adoring, loyal canine companion, Chowder. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him well. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY, 10306 or T.J. O'Connor Dog Adoption, 627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA, 01104.  All services are private.

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