William LaShell

On December 13, 2022, William (Bill) LaShell, passed away suddenly at the Packanack Golf Club in Wayne, NJ, doing what he loved best, playing golf.  He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, son Bill Jr. and partner Stephanie Spratley, son David and wife Amanda, daughter Nancy Spencer and husband Dave, grandchildren Nicholas, Eowyn, Alexander and Crystar, sister Joan Yows and husband Tom and their children, and by all the many people who loved him.

Bill was born in Manhattan, Kansas on September 2, 1941.  He attended Manhattan High School and Kansas State University.  An entrepreneur at heart Bill started several successful businesses one of which revolutionized communications in the cruise industry and the United States Navy.  His varied work life included running a manufacturing facility, exploring for oil and gas, and installing satellite communications at sea.  

The love story with his wife and best friend, Lorraine, began 60 years ago when Bill left his hometown and drove to New York for a summer job at Freedomland USA in the Bronx where Lorraine worked between college semesters. Two years later they married and for 58 years raised a family and shared a life of love and laughter.

An accomplished golfer, Bill shot a 78 at age 81. In addition to golf, his other passion was his Union Pacific HO gauge model railroad. He built a layout, train cars and industrial and residential buildings and taught himself digital command and control to run the trains. He was also a puzzler and great storyteller.  Bill traveled extensively throughout the world first for work, then for fun and adventure with Lorraine.

Bill was a true gentleman, an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend who was admired and loved by all who knew him.  He will be deeply missed.  

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation to Oasis, a Haven for Women and Children in Paterson would be greatly appreciated.  https://oasisnj.org/.