Walter J. Laug

Walter J Laug of Summerfield, FL passed away on October 27, 2023 at the age of 79.

Walter was born October 17, 1944 to Harry and Rose Laug of Verplanck, NY.  Walter would spend most of his life in his beloved hometown known as “The Point”.  He graduated from Hendrick Hudson High School and worked as a drafter/designer for such companies as JC Penny, Caldor, and Whiting-Turner.  Walter also began his own home renovation design company, WJL Home Design.  Walter was a highly accomplished artist, often with paper and pencil in hand.  

One of Walt’s biggest passions through the years was his community, even being given the nickname “Mayor of Verplanck”.  Walt spent over 50 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Verplanck Fire Department, earning the rank of Chief in 1979.

It was during his time as a firefighter that Walt met and fell in love with a local school teacher at St. Patrick’s School, Marianne Dahlke.  They knew right from the start that it was a forever kind of love and married on November 1, 1976.  They spent the next several years raising their son and daughter on The Point, being loving & devoted parents.  They enjoyed Army Football games with their beloved friends from the Buzzin’ Bee Ranch and the trip to Da Resort in Summit, NY.  They took great pride in the family they raised and welcomed four beautiful grandchildren.  

Walt and Marianne retired to the Villages, FL where they spent their last years together enjoying sunshine, friends, laughter, golf, and maybe some wine. After Marianne’s passing Walter was blessed to build beautiful memories with his children and grandchildren.  Walt then met his partner of the last 7 years, Sally, with whom he continued to enjoy the Florida life and many new adventures.  Sally was his rock and caregiver through all his trials and tribulations.  Their love was unconditional.

Walter is predeceased by his parents, Harry & Rose (McGuire) Laug, sister Harriet (Kenneth) Boyle, brother Fred Laug, and nephew Robert Laug.

Walter is survived by his children Keith Laug of Beacon, NY and Andrea & Ben Beckwith of Stephentown, NY; his grandchildren Hailey, Shea, & Brady Beckwith, and Regan Laug; his nephews Brian (Stephanie) Laug and Kyle (Lori) Laug; nieces Rosemary (Dennis) Lasher and Laurie Boyle (Sal Fatigate); niece-in-law Kim (Dohan) Laug; great nieces Samantha & Isabella DeCicco, Alexis Laug,and Samantha Laug; sister-in-law Vera Laug; many that lovingly called him “Uncle Walt”; and his life partner of the last 7 years Sally Pollard of Summerfield, FL.

Walter has returned home to his beloved Verplanck to be honored in the same church he was baptized in, that he was married in, that he had his children baptized in, and where he walked his daughter down the aisle.  He will be laid to rest with his Marianne, alongside his parents, and siblings, and other loved ones, overlooking The Point.

Reposing, O'Mara & Carpentieri Funeral Home on Friday from 4-8 PM. Funeral Mass, St. Patrick's Church, Verplanck, NY on Saturday 10:30 AM. Interment, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Verplanck, NY to follow. 

In lieu of flowers the family is asking those who would like to make donations to the Verplanck Fire Protective Assn., PO Box 518, Verplanck, NY 10596 in Walt’s honor.

O'MARA & CARPENTIERI FUNERAL HOME

97 Broadway

Verplanck, New York 10596

914-293-0700

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