William J. Lane, born Feb. 29 on leap year 1936 in Jersey City, passed peacefully Jan. 13, 2021, in Sarasota County, Florida, at the age of 84. Born to Lena O’ Leary Lane and William Lane of County Cork Ireland, William was raised in Jersey City and educated at St. Peter’s Prep (’54) and St. Peter’s college (’59) where he joined the ROTC program.
After graduating, he served for six years in the Army’s 82nd division. He served as the quartermaster for Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook, a missile base opposite New York harbor. For work, Will was an architectural hardware consultant who owned a manufacturers rep. agency, operating in the New York metropolitan area.
For enjoyment, he was a lifelong competitive tennis player and a member of Bath and Racket club in Sarasota. Will came to sailing later in life and loved being on the water, especially cruising. He was a member of Monmouth Boat Club in Red Bank, as well as the Sailing Squadron in Sarasota. Will was a consummate Irishman whose humor was a gift to everyone, as was his kindness and patience. His steadfast faith guided him in his 17-year battle with Parkinson’s.
He’ll be sorely missed by all his friends from his Parkinson’s activities which include pedaling, boxing, yoga, dancing and most importantly his singing with Sarasota Off-Key Chorale Parkinson’s group and of course his organ lessons at Fletcher music.
He was deeply missed by his loving wife, Margo Lane, wife of 30 years who passed Feb. 28, 2021. He is survived by children, Kerry Hanlon (William) and Michael Lane (Anne); four grandchildren Erin, Patrick, Julia, and April; and Shane Hoffman (stepson); George Lane (brother); nephews Kevin, Dan, Chris and Brian Lane; as well as Greg, Chris, Jeff and favorite niece Jennifer Bartoli.
An online service for William and Margo will be held at noon March 28, 2021. Please visit for afterword.co/stories/margo-and-william-lane for an invitation to the online celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Off-Key Choral, Sarasota, Florida at keychorale.org/education-outreach/off-key-chorale/.
The article originally appeared in the March 18 – 24, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
