Harold Lake

Harold Lake of Bethesda, Maryland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, great uncle, cousin, restaurateur, and dear friend to many passed away June 8, 2017 at the age of 88.
Harold was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. The eldest of two sons born to the late David and Lillian Lake (née Panster), his quest for life and abundant energy had deep roots in his New York origins.
Harold had a tireless work ethic like no other. With great fortitude, stamina and persistence he provided for his family - making sure that they had every opportunity in life to achieve great success.
Family was of the utmost importance to Harold. His loving wife of a remarkable 67 years, Anna Peltin Lake, passed away in April 2017. Their love, bond and deep commitment to one another endures as one of his great legacies - as a man, husband and father. Together they raised, loved and nurtured four boys: Gary (predeceased 1973), Steven, Bradley and Richard. They gave their children vast opportunities for education, culture, and travel. Harold instilled in each one of them his work ethic, encompassed by commitment, diligence, and resiliency, to pursue their work life with effort and excellence.
He cherished, with great pride, his eight grandchildren: Gregory, Ryan, Devin, Jillian, Marisa, Ben, Gabriel and Ellie. He loved his daughters-in- law Maureen and Lisa, and son-in-law William. Harold valued, respected and loved his brother Jerry and sister-in-law Freida and their beautiful children and their families. He treasured his sisters-in-law Shirley and Sandee, his brother-in-law Izzy (predeceased) and their amazing children and families.
Harold and Anna travelled much of the world together. He took Anna's lead and they created unforgettable experiences that he loved to share and marvel about.
Harold, or known as Hal in the eyes of his beloved customers, created, owned and ran the Zebra Room restaurant, a Washington DC institution for 35 years. Here Hal served great pizza to everyone from local families, Washington Redskins, Presidential Candidate John Anderson, Supreme Court justices to former Speaker of the House, Carl Albert. Hal was the Zebra Room. He was the man who stood at the door and not only invited you in, but set the tone for your experience while there. He effortlessly swept through the restaurant making sure all his customers had the Zebra Room experience - pizza, beer and Hal.
Harold was also ahead of his time. When, in the 1960's, his wife Anna went go to college, then graduate school and then off to create her successful practice and life as a psychotherapist he had her back, supported her and championed her successes. If there were nay-sayers, he shot them down in the process of supporting her. He was intensely proud of her accomplishments and he was instrumental in her pathway to success.
Many, many, many people knew and loved Harold (aka Hal). He greeted you with a warm smile and easy charm that invited you in. He liked to tell good stories. They grabbed your attention, even if you had heard them before. Harold was one of a kind in all the best possible ways. He will be deeply missed.
Funeral Services will be held at Washington Hebrew Congregation Sunday June 11, 2017 at 1pm with interment to follow at King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, VA. Family will be observing Shiva at the home of Richard Lake Sunday, June 11 5:30pm - 9pm; Monday, June 12 4:00pm - 8:00pm and Tuesday, June 13 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Gary Lee Lake Memorial Fund at University of Maryland.

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Temple Service

JUN 11. 1:00 PM

Washington Hebrew Congregation
3935 Macomb St. NW
Washington, DC, 20016