Obituary of Lawrence J DeWald

Lawrence (Larry) Joseph DeWald, 76, of Ashland, NY passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 13.

Funeral service will be held at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Ashland Cemetery in Windham, NY. Visitation will be held at Decker Funeral Home on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2:00-4:30pm. Decker Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.

Larry was born in Bronx, NY to Francis Robert and Edith DeWald on October 9, 1948. He went to high school at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, NJ and graduated in 1966. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration in marketing from Pace University. Larry worked 15 years in a family import and export business. This was followed by several years as a contractor to fulfill his lifelong passion for renovating older properties. He then worked as a case worker for the Greene County Department of Social Services for 20 years, helping the general community in need until his retirement.

Always preferring a small-town way of life, Larry enjoyed home renovations and construction, problem solving complicated engineering issues, marksmanship, mentoring others, humorously embellishing ordinary events, and meticulously recalling obscure facts. He had a unique habit of starting major construction projects that seemed to be never-ending and incomplete. Larry raised his children to love their neighbors, support their communities, and act with respect and discipline.

Larry is survived by his wife Colette of Ashland, NY, sons F. Robert, Matthew, Edward, Terence, daughters Rebecca and Liza, grandchildren Elizabeth, Connor, Benjamin, and Mateo, a sister and two brothers, and approximately 60 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his children Elizabeth, Nicholas, and Michael and his siblings Mary and Paul.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite local charity in Larry’s honor.