Carl L. Larish
February 5, 1945-January 27, 2021
Carl Lance Larish passed away on January 27, 2021 at St. Peters hospital in Albany after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents Mabel and Carl Larish and his wife Donna Rutulante, brother Clifford "LaRue" Larish, sisters Evelyn Kelch, Phyllis Billard, Sylvia L. Larish, and Virginia Aspinall. His love lives on in his sister Shirley Leslie and sister-in-law Gloria Rutulante and his many nieces and nephews.
Carl was born in Honesdale, PA on February 5, 1945 but spent most of his years in Phoenicia and Shandaken. A 1962 Onteora High School graduate, he served in the United States Navy for four years during the Viet Nam war era spending much of that time on the USS Jason. He was the “bartender with the handlebar mustache” at the Log Cabin and Al's Restaurant for many years and later a truck driver for Walmart. He was a fly fisherman, golfer and skier. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved vacationing with his wife Donna in Outerbanks, North Carolina. Donna shared the quiet moments of life with him and together they enjoyed walks on the beach, gardening, watching the hummingbirds (sometimes as many as 15 at the feeder at once!) that used their porch as their own annual landing strip each year, and walking along the creek in their backyard. Over the years it fluctuated between peaceful stream and roaring river, a mirror of life itself.
His nieces and nephews extend their sincere gratitude to Gloria and Eric Rutulante for the care and support they gave to Carl over the past months during his health struggles. This care brought peace to his family and honors his late wife Donna and the love they shared.
He was the youngest of seven, following a brother and five sisters and probably the biggest handful for his mom. As a young man Carl was always seeking the joy in life. We will let those younger, crazy years of stories lie in the memories of his many friends and family. He will be most remembered for his sense of humor. If you knew him you may not be able to recite the last joke he shared (too many over the years) but you remember the smile on his face as he set it up and his laughter at the punch line. One of his great nieces, upon hearing the news simply said, " I loved listening to him banter with Nanny, he was so fun." Fun - a simple but perfect word to describe him. For those of us left behind - retell his jokes (if you can) and remember the fun.
If you have a memory of Carl you would like to share with his family you may send it directly to carllarish@gmail.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
At Carl’s request there will be no visitation. A graveside service and celebration of his life will be held in the future