William Lehman Lash

The world is a little quieter today, William Lehman Lash passed away on September 7, 2024. He lived an expansive life where his big humor, big heart and big voice touched so many. 

Will is survived by his beloved wife, Jaime Costello Lash, his parents Stephen and Wendy Lehman Lash, his sister Abigail Lash and her spouse Austin Shapard, as well as his nine nieces and nephews; Katie, James, JP, John John and Mary Costello, Hattie and Lucy Shapard, and Nicholas and Connor Griffin. 

A multi-generational New Yorker, Will was deeply proud of his NYC roots and took great joy in showing off his city to visitors from near and far. He loved his Rangers, Yankees and Giants. He also appreciated the beauty in diversity of the world, and explored it with the goal to be fully entrenched in the culture, not just a tourist. He spent a summer abroad in Greece, took a gap year to work in Australia and later opened a business in Sao Paulo. New York always called him back, but the Portuguese stuck. 

He graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts where he received his Bachelors in Fine Arts. He had many careers, mostly all centered around the Arts. He was a professional actor in commercials, movies and stage then moved on to estates and appraisals. His big booming voice was captivating and a true asset as an art auctioneer, he could command a room and held his audience rapt while he so naturally guided bidding. 

Most notably, Will served as Chairman of the Lehman College Foundation Board of Directors where he stayed true to his great grandfather’s ethos of humanitarianism and commitment to equal opportunity. During the pandemic he led critical educational and nutritional support efforts, quickly deploying essential resources for the Lehman College students so they could continue their studies remotely and not fall behind in their pursuit of their dreams. 

Will rolled deep with his friends, he remained close to the people that came into his life and was there for those he loved whenever they needed. Whether it was just to chat, give a pep talk in his big voice or to have a good old laugh telling epic stories. He also loved animals and had many pets throughout his life. He abided by the saying “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” 

He was gone too soon. His big heart and big voice will be deeply missed. The richness of memories and the laughs we shared will remain with all who were lucky to know him. 

Celebration of Life services will be held on November 16th in New York City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the non-profit organizations he so passionately supported: Lehman College Foundation 

The Animal Medical Center of New York 

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America