Harriel Eugene Lacy Sr. of Hillside, NJ has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What follows is written with love, by those who knew him best.
Service is its own kind of love — quiet, steady, often unseen.
Harriel Eugene Lacy Sr. was born on March 30, 1960 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He was the fourth of five children born to the late Lawrencea Joanne Lacy and Lee Andrew Archer Jr. Harriel, better known as Lacy, was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud veteran, who lived a long life of loving and serving his country, community and family.
As a teen, Lacy enlisted in the United States Army then later went to the Navy. After dedicating many years of his life bravely and faithfully serving his country, he later went on to become a bus driver and a police officer in Newark, New Jersey. While retired Lacy enjoyed things like fishing, being a black belt in karate, camping, and spending time with close family, friends, and other veterans. Lacy later met then married Sara Flowers (Lacy) in 2014 and they spent over 10 long years loving each other, traveling, and building lasting memories until death do them part.
Harriel, though he may be gone from our sight, his love remains forever in our hearts. His legacy of kindness, service and love will continue to live on through all who had the blessing to know him. Lacy peacefully transitioned from life on April 27, 2026, surrounded by love. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrencea Lacy and Lee Andrew Archer Jr.; an uncle, El-Pasha Vashtonio Lacy; and his father-in-law, Robert Lee Smith Sr.
Lacy leaves behind to relish in good memories, his wife, Sara Lacy; three sisters, Josephine L. McDowell, Lawrencia Lacy and Leta Lacy; one brother, Darrell Lampley; seven sisters-in-law, Shirley Smith, Debbie King, Joyce Smith, Sandra Jenkins, Sheila Bonaventure, Shawlette Smith and Samella Smith; two brothers-in-law, Robert Lee Smith Jr. and Willie Smith; seven children, Rahman Nichols, Harriel Lacy Jr., Jamar Antwan (Scooby) Smith, Tariq Rock-Lacy, Zaire Rock-Lacy, Damir Rock-Lacy and Indirea Rock-Lacy; five stepchildren, Dekiesha Stafford (Jessie), Marie Smith, Danielle Smith, Elijah Hill (Eunique & Jaydin) and Joshua Hill (Asyria); nine grandchildren, Sanaa Nichols, Tashemi Thomas, Nisaiah Nichols, Jahree Smith, Naelani Smith, N'zayah Rock-Lacy, Tariq Rock-Lacy Jr. and Hennessy Rock-Lacy; and a host of step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, endearing nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Harriel Eugene Lacy Sr. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.
