In Memory of Douglas A. Laraby Sr.

Obituary

Douglas A. Laraby Sr., 75, of Utica, NY and formerly of Brookfield, NY Passed away in his home reclined in his favorite chair on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Doug was born on December 24, 1949, in Brookfield NY, a son of the late Lynn and Mary Laraby. He graduated from Brookfield high school at the age of sixteen in 1965, before immediately volunteering to serve his country in the United States Army. While bravely fighting in the Vietnam War for three tours of duty. After the war Doug went on to work at General Electric Company, but most will know him as the boss of the Minit CarWash starting on Bleaker St. and then in South Utica location for many years. He lastly worked and retired from the CONMED Corp.

Doug was married twice before meeting the love of his life while what he always said, “was a cute nurse who gave him stitches.” He would go on to marry his “cute nurse” Maryanne (Reid) Laraby in memorable ceremony on November 29, 1989, in Remsen NY.

Doug was an avid fisherman who also loved hunting, demolition derbies, Brookfield Wheel Days, nature, he especially loved watching the eagles at Hinkley Lake. His biggest love was of books and would read anything he could get his hands on. He really enjoyed reading western novels. Doug loved a good BBQ with all fixings. In recent years he enjoyed his retirement while visiting with his sister Eloise and hanging out with great-great grandkids and great nephews, and great nieces.

Survived by his sister Eloise Laraby, son Douglas Laraby, wife Heather Laraby, son Frank Laraby, Daughter Seana Stewart, husband, Jeremy Stewart, son George Laraby, significant other Amy Russell, Son Raymond Laraby, finance DeAnn Carpenter and so many more who considered him their father. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his father Lynn James Laraby Sr., Mother Mary Stella Derose Laraby, wife Maryanne Reid Laraby, brother Lynn James Laraby Jr., Sister Sylvia Juanita Laraby Garrow, infant brother Glen William Laraby, infant brother Jason Silvester Laraby, Nephew Glen Jason Laraby, niece Mary Rose Garrow Huxley. Great- nephew Army Pfc. Gregory Paul Huxley, KIA in Iraq, and granddaughter Hope Elizabeth Inslee.

We would like to thank the family and friends that were a part of his life, weather It was good or bad. The stories told by him or about him would and will make you laugh and cry. His stories must be continued to be told for generations to come. He was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. He will be deeply missed by all who know him. His ability to make us laugh, and his spirit will forever be a part of us. Dad always claimed to be an angel and now we all know that to be true. May heaven have an endless number of books to read and cozy places to read them, Pringles chips, whole chocolate cakes to eat all to yourself and an audience that will enjoy all your inappropriate sausage jokes. We love you, always!

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM at Friedel, Williams and Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford, NY. 

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.