Bill was born in Newton and a lifelong resident of Fredon Township. He graduated Kittatinny High School in 1983, and then attended the Technical Career Institute where he received an Auto Mechanic Certificate in 1984. Bill primarily worked in construction. He also earned certificates in several other fields of study. Most recently he worked with his brother, Michael.
Bill was a very loving and generous man. All who met him loved him and he had no enemies. He loved his family dearly. Bill was an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing his delicious culinary creations with everyone. He loved nature, children and animals and especially enjoyed being Uncle to Chevy. Bill would give names to all the bugs and spiders in his home and rescued 3 baby squirrels, Chico, Alvin and Theodore, and kept them for 2 years because he wasn’t ready to let them go. Bill was always willing to help people even if it took hours of research to solve the problem. He loved fishing, nature watching, NASCAR and sports. Bill stayed positive, courageous and caring throughout his last struggle.
Bill is survived by his mother, Linda Lacken (Stone); his father, Willard G. Lacken, Jr. (Vivienne); his brother, Michael J. Lacken ( Marty); his sister, Deborah Lacken; and his half-brother, Chris Lacken (Allison); his nieces and nephews, Madison, Morgan, Michael Jr. and Carson; and his cousins, AJ, Eric, Tommy and Todd Proshuto and Kathy Lacken.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, Newton, NJ. A Graveside service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in Stillwater Cemetery, 930 Maple Ave, Stillwater.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to an animal rescue of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
