Varick, NY: Lawrence (Larry) J. Colton, 78, died at his home in Varick on Friday, February 22, 2019. He was born in San Francisco, California on December 3, 1940 to Kenneth S. Colton and Dorothy Minnick. Larry liked to live his life to the fullest; he thrived on being busy and would say, “I learn something new every day.” He excelled as a carpenter, contractor, home inspector and craftsman. He loved his work and taught anyone working with him all the tricks of that trade. He loved all genres of music, he collected CDs and vinyl; and for over 10 years, Larry was a successful “DJ” playing at weddings, parties and benefits. For a few years, he served as the Town of Varick Code Officer working closely with Seneca County Building Department.
For the past ten years, Larry treasured being accepted as a driver for the Amish community.
Larry was predeceased by his son Larry Jr., and his brother Edward. He is survived by his wife Edie, who shared his love for music, woodworking, birdwatching and gardening; his sister Bettyann Singer, brothers: Kenneth Colton, Robert Colton, Kevin Colton and Ron Colton; his children: Kim Louder, Ron Colton, Todd Colton, Robin Davis; his step children: Heather Dietrichson, Holly Conway, Glen Conway-Yasuyama, Kyle Conway; plus many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Kindly consider sending a donation in Larry’s memory to Lifetime Care-Hospice, 800 West Miller St., Newark, NY 14513.
We loved Larry…he was our dear friend. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Our world was a better place for having him in it We shared so very many good times and lots of laughs….he will NEVER be forgotten!
A good and honorable person and a very good friend. My condolences to Edie, Heather, Holly, Glen and Kyle and all of the Amish families that he met and helped. A generous person with strong convictions, little patience with people who didn’t understand building codes in spite of his effort to educate them.. I remember our many visits and our sailing on Oneida Lake when Larry and Edie had their sailboat. We were honored to have Larry and Edie stay at our camp on Arnold Lake while their Varick residence was being created and welcomed me when I was commuting from Plymouth to Oneonta.. He had a green thumb as well as the rest of all of his fingers. A wonderful craftsman with his wooden works of art. He is missed and will always be remembered.