Obituary of William Lare

William H. Lare (Bill) was born on July 26, 1926, at home in Bernardsville, NJ to Samuel J. Lare and Alice Lare (Bauman).  He lived with and was raised by both parents and his paternal grandparents.

Bill graduated from Bernardsville High School in 1944.  He enlisted into the Navy at the end of WWII and was trained to be a gunners’ mate at Sampson Base in NY.  He never saw action due to the war ending at the same time as Bills’ training.

Bill married the love of his life, Elizabeth R. Samer, in 1946.  They shared a wonderful life for 52 years and raised 2 sons.

Bills’ professional life consisted of custom farming in his early years, then morphed to an excavating business called W.H.Lare & Sons Excavating.  Both sons were also employed by the excavating business.

Bill celebrated his 100th birthday last month, among family members.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, Preston.  He leaves behind his other son, Christopher and his wife, Rebecca, and Prestons’ wife, Alison.  Grandchildren include Nicole Lare, Kristi Lare, Preston Lare (wife Mary), Garrett Lare (wife Kelly), Ethan Lare, and Dorathea Lare.  Bill also had 2 great-grandchildren.  His loyal companion Buddy, his Jack Russell terrier, was at his side, like always, at the end.

Visitation will  be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 10:00 - 12:00pm. Graveside service will be private for the family.