Thomas E. "Tommy" Lake, Jr., 22, of 50 Opechee Drive, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 18, 2013 at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Providence and a lifelong resident of Bristol, he was a son of Thomas E. Lake (Marcia) and Dawn (Cavaca) Rocha (Daniel), all of Bristol. Tommy was a graduate of Mt. Hope High School, Class of 2010 and was a bagger at the Bristol's Stop and Shop Grocery store for several years. He was active in Special Olympic's "Baysiders" and Looking Upwards.

Tommy had a zest for life and everyone who knew Tommy was a better person for it. Tommy loved everyone with his heart and soul and the love that he received in return is a true testament to his spirit.

Tommy's life might be considered short by many but those who were fortunate enough to know him and share his life with him know that it is the quality of life not the quantity of time in which one lives. Tommy possessed strength, perseverance and an ability to overcome incredible odds time and again.

With his courage and strength he taught us to see each day as a blessing providing us an opportunity to make lifetime memories with him.

In additions to his parents, he is survived by brothers and sisters, Austin J. Lake, Dylan Trombley, Abigail and Hannah Rocha and Hayden Lake, all of Bristol; his maternal grandparents, Dean and Cindy Laliberte of Portsmouth and his paternal grandmother, Sheila Lake of Fall River, Mass.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jesse Martin.

His funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 at the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 n St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood St.

Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery on Chestnut Street.

Visiting hours will be Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 from 4 - 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tomorrow Fund, RI Hospital Campus, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02903 or online at www.tomorrowfund.org.

For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.