Native Petaluman passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday March 22, 2010 in Sonoma, California at the age of 84. Born and raised in Petaluma, he graduated St. Vincent's Catholic high school in 1942. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserves to serve in World War II. He was selected for the Navy V-5 Flight Program where he flew SBD and SNJ aircraft. He graduated from this program in 1945 from Corpus Christi as World War II ended. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserve Flight Program during his college education at Stanford University. He graduated from the University of Pacific School of Dentistry in 1954. He practiced dentistry in Petaluma for 47 years. He served as president of the Redwood Empire Dental Society, trustee to the California Dental Association. He was a lifetime Rotarian and supported many youth groups, particularly Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma. He married Maureen Ann Woulfe of Chicago, Illinois in 1958, and they raised their family of five children in Petaluma and Sonoma. He is survived by his wife Maureen; children Michael Lane (Maral), James Lane (Caroline), Celeste Lane, Virginia Lane and Nancy Lane (Pascal Fua). He is the brother of Mary Margaret Dolcini and Dr. Leo Lane, both of Petaluma. His grandchildren Naoise, Ciara, Raphael and Emmanuel gave him great joy. He was an accomplished pianist. He loved fly fishing, abalone diving, golfing, airplanes, chocolate and a good stiff drink. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Friends and family are invited to attend the Visitation, Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma. Private Inurnment.
The above information was developed by Bill's family and the funeral home. Paul Lounibos has provided the following additional information: 1. According to the St. Vincent de Paul High School 2004 Alumni Directory, BILL graduated in 1943 and not 1942. 2. The appellation "lifetime Rotarian" sounds nice, but he was a
member from 1955 to 2010.......not his entire life. 3. No mention is made of his father, GEORGE W. LANE, SR., who started the All-Day Breakfast during his term as President in 1954-55.