HUDSON FALLS – Louis W. Priest, 66, a longtime resident of Hudson Falls, most recently of Queensbury, passed away Friday, July 29, 2022, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA, after a long illness.
Born August 13, 1955, he was the son of the late Louis Priest, Jr. and Louise (Case) Rizzo and stepson of the late Salvatore Rizzo.
Lou was a 1974 graduate of Granville High School.
Lou and his wife of 40 years, Theresa (Resa) met at Montgomery Ward. After a failed attempt at fixing him up with a friend, Resa and Lou decided they were best together and together they stayed.
For many years Lou was a correctional officer at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock. He was continually active in his community and worked as a softball umpire, volleyball referee, crossing guard, various security details and other jobs that were more like social events to Lou than jobs. He would regularly be found gathering with his closest friends at a Stewarts or other venues solving world issues (or just laughing) over breakfast or just a cup of coffee.
Lou was a very endearing man. He had a way of engaging with people that made an unforgettable impression and made you feel like you had made a friend for life. Although his wife and kids dragged him on vacation a few times, what he loved most was grilling in his own back yard with his family, overlooking his impeccable lawn. His rule was, “shoes in the house, fine, but don’t you dare mess up my lawn.”
Survivors include his wife, Resa (Beaudette) Priest of Queensbury; his sons, Justin Priest (Carrie) of Hudson Falls, Jeremy Priest (Beth) of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren, Brooke and Brody Priest, Rylan Prehoda and Leighton Priest; his sister, Patricia Winchell (Jim) of California; his brother, Jeff Priest (Sandy) of Vermont; his “Cemetery-Run Cuzints”, Lori, Amy, Scott and Lisa; his step siblings, Tim, Laurie, Kevin and Wendy and their families and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Friday, August 5, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., in Hudson Falls.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Fire Rock, 111 County Route 41, Hudson Falls, New York 12839.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Louis may be made to HeartBrothers Foundation, 225 Cedar Hill St., Suite 200, Marlborough, MA 01752 or to Hospitality Homes, PO Box 15265, Boston MA 02215.
My deepest sympathy to Justin and his family.
Justin and family,
Deepest sympathy for your families loss. May god give you strength to get through this difficult time.
💔 Louie
You will be truly be missed on so many levels. My condolences to the family, he loved so much.
My deepest condolences Resa,Justin, Jeremy and grandkids. You have many happy memories to draw strength from as you find away to deal with the loss of Lou. My heart aches for you all. Love Betty Battles
When we became neighbors of lou and his wife they made us feel welcome to the neighborhood. Lou would also say hi and sit and talk for hours he was a awesome neighbor and it was a pleasure of knowing him rip Lou and to Resa and family I’m so sry for yr loss he was a great man to know
Phil Bruce and I extend our deepest sympathy to Lou’s survivors. He was lifetime friend and coworker. He made the world a better place while here.
Phyllis Pyenta
Resa, so sorry to hear of Lou’s passing – he was a great guy, my condolences.
As a volleyball referee I always looked forward to whenever Lou and I were assigned a match or a tournament together, he always made the experience enjoyable and good fun was had by all – including the players and coaches! I shall miss him terribly and send my most sincere condolences to his family.
Resä and Family…My heartfelt condolences at the loss of your husband, dad, and grandfather. In-law was never a title for Lou –
he was considered a full son, a 100% Beaudette. His gleeful laugh and presence at get-togethers will be sorely missed. Blessings on his family during these sorrowful times… Thoughts & Prayers…
Aunt Anita
Louie I was pleased to do my last JV/Varsity Girl’s volleyball match Schuylerville vs Hudson Falls with you. Always a great partner willing to be the best in every aspect of his life. Rest in peace and condolences to your family. Eagle Ed
Whether working the bowels of GMCF, in the dust and dirt of the softball field, or at some event, Lou was always full of one liners and stories. He was a great guy and gone way to early in life. My condolences to the family, Rest In Peace my friend.
When new folks move in next door you’re always a little unsure, but with Louis and Resa we knew right away we had new great neighbors. It is so true that Louis “made you feel like you had made a friend for life”….we will miss you, friend and neighbor.
We are stunned and saddened to hear of the passing of Lou and extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Lou was a wonderful and funny man and very sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. I knew him through volleyball and always enjoyed working with him as an official or coach. He always was very funny. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Lou was always a great guy to work with. I worked many tournaments with lou and he was always very professional and a joy. I will miss him a great deal.
What else can be said but sorry for your loss Theresa and boys. As your mailman of many years I conversed with you all and shared a lot laughs. Always a pleasure talking with Lou because he loved to laugh. His smile, the picture says it all. Very humble and approachable guy. He will be missed but the memories will live on. Prayers to you all.
Sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. My condolences to the family.
Lou, I was looking forward once again to see you across the net my friend… I always look forward to seeing you either as an official or when I coached… Always inquiring about the rule changes and how it affected the game… I will miss you… Until we meet again Lou…. Cheers
Resa and family.
We are sadden to hear of your husband’s passing.
My husband Steve knew him well from the prison. Spoke of what a outstanding caring human he was.
Please know you are in our thoughts.
Hugs to you all.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I knew Lou from GMCF, but after he retired, I would frequently see him at the stores. He never failed to ask me how I was doing and to “stay safe”. He had a great sense of humor and always made me smile. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and loved ones.