Hudson Falls- Lawrence J. Moak, 76, passed away on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 at the Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness, with his wife by his side.
He was born on February 6th, 1943 in South San Francisco, Ca. to the late Phyllis (Catalfamo) and James Moak.
Larry graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls in 1961. He was a gifted athlete in baseball and football earning him many accolades and awards; The Donnelly award was his most cherished for football. After graduating high school he earned a full baseball scholarship to Bethel College in Tennessee. His talent garnered the attention of the NY Mets and he was invited to try out for the team. He was offered a placement on their AA team as a pitcher but due to an injury was unable to follow his dream.
In 1962, he married his sweetheart, Ilene Hamel. Together they raised their 3 children, Michael, Stephanie, and Jennifer. Larry coached Mike from t-ball to senior leagues sharing his love of baseball. While president of Hudson Falls Little League he was able to get Baltimore Orioles’ Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson to speak at their awards ceremony and meet with area little leaguers.
Larry worked 33 years at Niagara Mohawk and was very active in the union. He started out as a shop steward and worked his way to vice president of their local, and chairman of the regional executive board. He made many lifelong friends at work and shared years of hunting, fishing, and later coffee club with the guys.
He dedicated his life to working hard and providing for his family. It was very important to him to instill in his children a strong sense of family and a good work ethic. He pushed everyone to do their best. One of his favorite sayings was “you have to be tougher than the wood you are cutting”. He never gave up on anything.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his Uncle James and Aunt Marjorie Catalfamo who raised him like a son, Aunt Carmella Catalfamo, and Aunt Florence Weber. Also, his Uncle John Catalfamo and cousin Angelo (Chuck) Catalfamo who were like brothers to him, Uncles; Carl Catalfamo,Tony Catalfamo, Louis Catalfamo, and Aunts; Mary Schenk, Frances Bonnoyer.
Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 57 years, Ilene; his children, Michael Moak (wife, Stacy), Stephanie Ball (husband, William), and Jennifer French (husband, Matthew); his grandchildren, Christopher Moak, Kara Moak, Erica (French) Jensen (husband, Trevor), Dylan Ball, and Nathan French; his great-granddaughter, Alyssa Collins.
A heartfelt thanks to all who helped Larry through his illness; the kind nurses and doctors at Glens Falls Hospital, Dr. Mihindu, the staff at the Renal Center, and his home caregivers.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Friday from 3:00-6:00pm at Carleton Funeral Home. A service will be held immediately after calling hours. A burial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00am at Union Cemetery in Fort Edward; a reception will be held at the family home immediately after.
Those who wish to send a remembrance in his name can send a donation to Hudson Falls Little League, 34 East Laclaire St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
It is with the heaviest heart to know of the passing of this incredible man. I met him at the Glens Falls Hospital Renal Center and was so impressed with his demeanor – always a smile, very engaging, so thoughtful of others. This man was gifted with an incredibly strong and loving family – always at his side to support, console, and be the advocates for his health and well-being. My sincerest condolences, prayers and love to the loves of Larry’s life, his wife, Ilene, and children. Will miss you, dear man …hope they have lots of peppermint Lifesavers in Heaven…save a few for me!
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Larry was a good friend and teammate. May he rest up peace.
Larry was a good friend and teammate. May he Rest In Peace
I would like to send my sincere condolences to the entire Moak Family. I am so saddened to read of Mr Moak’s passing, he was one of my favorites, feel so bad I didn’t make his services, please know your all in my hearts & prayers. With warmest regards to all.
I am very sorry. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Moak, thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was a great man and neighbor, may he Rest In Peace.
Thou I have never had the chance to meet a brother I never knew I had, But I have been blessed to be able to se him through my Nieces eyes and words. By the time I have come to know of Laurence he was already sick. Stephanie you were there for your dad, I know how great he was just talking to and seeing how you are. Goodbye Brother may you Rest In Peace.
Larry was a thoughtful, kind busmate in high school. I was way too shy to carry on a conversation with this handsome guy who came onto the bus with his beaming smile. My sister and I thought very highly of him. I am glad to read he went on to spread his light for future generations.
Larry you were always a great friend. May God the Father grant you Eternal Rest!
John L.
My sincere condolences to all of the family and may this angel in heaven look down on you all and bless you
My condolences to you mike and your family, I pray that god bless you all threw this time in your lives.
Heartfelt thoughts are being sent to the Moak family during this most difficult time. I have many fond memories of Larry and his family during the years we were neighbors. It is with a sad heart that I learned of his passing. Sincere condolences to the family.
We lost a good friend and family man with Moakie’s death. At SMA He brought a smile when in his company…even today as I remember him.
Ilene: I was saddened to read of your husband’s passing. I never met him and lost touch with you years ago for some reason. You were a good friend, especially when I needed one the most and I will always be grateful. I would be there for you if I could but I live in S.C. now. I hope each day that passes will ease your pain and you can just recall all of your cherished memories. Got bless you and your family.