D. William Lally III

Lally’s Pipe ‘N Book

December 4, 1945 – March 24, 2025

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Bill Lally, a devoted family man whose warmth and smile touched everyone he met. Bill passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 24, 2025. Born in Holyoke, MA, Bill lived the majority of his life in West Springfield, MA, before moving to Scarborough, ME, in 2020 to be closer to his family.

Bill was a graduate of West Springfield High School’s Class of 1964. Growing up, he loved to play sports including basketball, football, and baseball and he was a proud member of that generation’s “Whiz Kids”. He served in the U.S. Navy in California before returning home to build a life centered on family, community, and his passion for people. Alongside his beloved wife, Tricia (Ivers) Lally, he owned and operated Lally’s Pipe ‘N Book, a fixture of the West Springfield community for over 30 years. The Pipe ‘N Book created a welcoming space for friends and customers alike. Bill also dedicated over 35 years to community service through active participation in the West Springfield Lions Club, Dante Club, and as a youth sports coach embodying his deep commitment to giving back.

Above all, Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He will live on in the hearts of those who love him. He leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 57 years, Tricia; his three children, Michele DeOliveira and her husband Mark of Wellesley, MA, Megan LeFebvre and her husband Brian of Scarborough, ME and Matthew Lally and his wife Katie of Greenville, RI; and his ten cherished grandchildren, Emma, Owen, Lily, and Kira DeOliveira; Elisabeth, Sarah, and Andrew LeFebvre; and Charlotte, Annabelle, and Will Lally and countless more family & friends.

Bill’s smile and out-going personality could light up a room; he had an extraordinary way of making everyone feel welcome. If you didn’t find him behind the counter at the Pipe ‘N Book, he would be on the sidelines cheering on his children and then grandchildren from the top of the bleachers. One of his happiest places and favorite rituals was visiting the beach in York, ME. Every year he eagerly counted down the days until his annual vacation with family and friends. His legacy includes creating this beloved and enduring family tradition. At the beach, a sports event, or simply amongst family and friends, his famous saying, “It doesn’t get any better than this,” perfectly captured his spirit—one of gratitude, happiness, and love for life’s simple joys.

A private service for Bill’s immediate family will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home in Portland, ME. A Celebration of Life will take place in West Springfield, MA, at a later date, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Bill’s honor to the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club, 615 Main Street, West Springfield, MA 01089.