William F. Lajoie IV died unexpectedly at his mother's home in Melrose Feb. 23rd at the age of 26. Billy was born in Springfield, raised in Springfield and Arlington and graduated from Lexington Minuteman Technical High School where he lettered in soccer for 4yrs. He attended Cape Cod Community College and Bunker Hill Communtiy College. Billy enjoyed basketball and the culinary arts and had worked as a chef for Bertucci's Restaurant in Cambridge as well as several other local restaurants. He lived in Melrose for 5yrs and the past 2yrs in Medford. Billy was the loving son of William F. Lajoie of Medford, Jacqueline A. (McCarthy) Lajoie of Melrose and the late Adele M. Lajoie. Adored brother of Gina M. Lajoie of Reading, Janelle M. & Renee\ L. Lajoie both of Melrose. Grandson of Yolanda Appleton of Springfield and Josephine McCarthy of Medford. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles & cousins. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thurs. Feb. 28th at 8AM. Funeral mass in St. Mary's Church Herbert St. Melrose at 9AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Wed. 2-4 & 7-9PM. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's School 4 Myrtle St. Melrose 02176. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.