Lawrence A. Dachenhausen

Lawrence A. Dachenhausen, known fondly as Larry, Doc, or Moose, passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. at the New York State Veterans Home in Montrose, NY, at the age of 86. 

Born in Westchester County, New York, Larry lived a life marked by honor, service, loyalty, and devotion to family and community. A proud graduate of Kingston High School, Class of 1956, he went on to serve in the United States Navy Submarine Force, where he retired after 22 years of distinguished service as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), having journeyed across all seven seas. 

Following his naval career, Larry continued his maritime service as a Superintendent of Engineering for Western Geophysical through the Merchant Marine, and later shared his knowledge as a driving instructor at the American Driving School. He also proudly served the local community as a City of Kingston firefighter. Larry was the former husband and lifelong best friend of Joanne Chapman of Saugerties, with whom he shared 65 years of enduring friendship. He is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Joseph DeMercurio of Lake Katrine; his beloved granddaughters, Adrianna DeMercurio of Ruby and Victoria DeMercurio of Lake Katrine; and a close family friend and caregiver, Jonathan Osborn of Ruby. 

Larry was predeceased by his brother, Hugo Dachenhausen, and is remembered lovingly by his sister-in-law, Ann "Joan" Dachenhausen of Lake Katrine. He was also predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Donald Vache of Highland, and is survived by several cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A man of many passions, Larry enjoyed scuba diving, fishing, hunting, football, baseball, and especially watching his granddaughters play softball. He was an avid reader of history books, a faithful viewer of Gunsmoke and Seinfeld, and found joy and peace in the natural world and wildlife. 

Deeply committed to service, Larry was a lifetime member of the Ruby Fire Company, a proud member of American Legion Post 72, a strong supporter of Hospice, and celebrated 44 years of sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous, where he mentored and supported countless others. Larry also had a profound love for animals, often taking in homeless pets or those left behind by deceased owners, providing them with loving care, food, and comfort. 

Larry will be remembered for his strength, humor, humility, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 4-6:15 p.m. at Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home in Saugerties, with a service conducted by Deacon Hank Smith at 6:15 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial willl be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's RC Church on Main St. in Glasco, NY.   Interment with military and firematic services will follow in the Mt. Marion Cemetery.   

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry's memory to Hospice of Ulster County, the Ruby Fire Company, or a local animal rescue organization of your choice. 

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