Jon Lake - Class of 1955

Jon Lake - Class of 1955

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 28/Feb/2025
71.223.69.10

Jon T. "Terry" Lake of New Windsor, NY, transitioned peacefully from this earthly world before dawn broke on Thursday, February 27th, at home, in his own bed, as he hoped he would, with his daughters by his side.

Terry was born in Poughkeepsie, the third of ten children to Ralph and Helen Graham Lake. He appreciated being part of a large family; the bonds, his first and forever best friend brother Wally, all of his sisters, both sets of twins, the tenacity of his parents and all they did to provide for such a large crew. He grew up in Newburgh. Terry attended Newburgh schools, running track and playing on the baseball team at NFA.
He proudly joined the Navy in 1956 and we all loved the stories of the fun he had serving alongside his brother, Bruce. His honorable discharge came exactly one month before the birth of his first daughter, named for him, Joni. Spaced three years apart, next came Robin, then Tammy. Dad was as excited having his last daughter as he was having his first! Being a Father was his proudest joy and honor.
Terry stayed active as his family grew. He played in many softball and fast pitch leagues, his kids becoming friends with his teammates kids. Dad even played softball with his Son-in-Law Paul's team when he was in his 50s! Dad also loved his bowling, still in a league in Little River, SC in his early eighties! Dad was a plumber, a proud "Union" man for over 30 yrs.
Long divorced, Terry found true love with Ruth Gooden. They lived happily for over 20 years in South Daytona, FL with many trips to N. Myrtle Beach to visit Dad's brothers Wally and Bruce, where they built a "summer place" that became Dad's home after Ruth's passing.
We were fortunate to have Dad move back to NY with us a few years ago. Having this time together was the best gift he could have given us! Last month Dad chose to be under the care of United Hospice (they are truly Angels on Earth), as getting out to see his doctors was no longer possible, even with the help of his right-hand man, caretaker and best buddy, Son-in-Law, Paul.

Terry is survived by his daughters, Joni and husband Paul Mongelli, Sr., and Robin and husband Jim Kus; grandchildren, Paul Mongelli, Jr. and wife Jill, Amanda Arestin with Brandon Grant, Carly Mongelli, Nicole Smolenski, Rachel Phipps, Georgie Suttle with Mike Gaita, and Samantha Suttle. He is further survived by 5 great-granddaughters and 4 great-grandsons, siblings, Edward, Sr. and wife Linda, Marion Patterson, and Lynn Lake. Dad is further survived by a daughter, Tammy and husband Mike Phipps, Sr., and his companion, fur buddy Bert. In Heaven Dad joins his parents; siblings Mae Monell, Wally, Bruce, Eric, twins Sally Helmrich and Susan Coonan; and his Grandson, Michael Phipps, Jr. He will finally be re-united with his love, Ruth Gooden.

*Softball *baseball- NWLL coach *bowling *Camping- a lot! *Best pool on the block! *Our friends were always welcome *PTO Dad- President! *Veteran *Union brother

Thanks for always lending an ear and being our rock. You gave us all you had to give, and then some. We're forever grateful. Rest easy now, Pop. You deserve it. We love you. - October 20, 1937 ~ February 27, 2025

In lieu of flowers, please give donations to : United Hospice, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956 - A Celebration of Life will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Saturday, March 8 from 12 - 3 PM.