Frank James Lasch

April 1, 1932 - May 16, 2018

Loudonville-On Wednesday, May 16th, 2018, Frank James Lasch of Loudonville passed peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by family and close friends. Frank was born in Albany, NY on April, 1, 1932, the son of Edward J. Lasch and Mary O’Brien Lasch. Frank graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, College of the Holy Cross and Cornell Law School. Upon graduating from Cornell, he was commissioned by the Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI as a Lt. j.g. in the United States Navy from which he was honorably discharged in 1960. While still in the service in San Diego, he attended the Democratic Presidential Convention to watch John F. Kennedy’s nomination acceptance speech. After leaving the Navy, he joined the law firm of DeGraff Foy in Albany and thoroughly enjoyed a 40-year law and lobbying practice representing clients large and small. He had a deep sense of caring, decency and ethical integrity that formed the basis of his character, and for which he credited the Jesuits at Holy Cross College for instilling in him at a young age. He also took pleasure in mentoring many of the firm’s young lawyers as well as enlisting them as crew for his sailboat racing. His time in the Navy ignited a lifelong passion for travel, adventure, and love of being on water. Frank had a great love of sailing, especially on Lake George. He also liked being captain, not crew, and countless people have stories of sailing with him. He loved traveling, having visited all seven continents, and often reminisced about the trips he took over the years with dear friends. But he was happiest surrounding himself with family. He loved organizing numerous family outings and vacations, providing a life full of memories cherished by his children and grandchildren. In later years, he was content sitting on the porch at Lake George looking at the water and being with his family. Frank donated his time and talent to numerous organizations in the Capital Region. He had a strong commitment to service in all forms and on all levels. Frank’s community involvement included serving as president and trustee of the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum (USS Slater); trustee of the Teresian House; treasurer and trustee of the Community Foundation of the Capital Region; trustee of the LaSalle School for Boys; trustee of Siena College, trustee of Maria College; president of the local Holy Cross College Alumni Club; president and trustee of the Fort Orange Club; president and trustee of the Lake George Club; member of the Albany Country Club; parishioner of St. Pius X Church and enthusiastic member of the Dine-a-Round. He was the recipient of numerous awards including the In Hoc Signo award, Holy Cross Alumni Association’s highest honor for outstanding and lengthy service to the College in 2006. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Mary Ellen Gallagher Lasch. Mary Ellen was the widow of Robert Luddy and mother of seven young children when they married in 1965. Frank adopted the children and he and Mary Ellen had two more soon after. At the time, a family friend joked that he was “the bravest man alive”. He is the beloved father of Meg Carroll (Drew) of Slingerlands; Mark (Lori) of Albany, Susan Helmer (Stephen) of Manlius, NY; Kathleen McNamee (George) of Albany; Karen Welles (Tim) of Albany; Chris of Albany; Beth Clark (Paul) of Saratoga; Terry Edwards (Alex) of Pitlochry, Scotland; and Michael (Alicia) of Loudonville. Pop-pop is also survived by 27 grandchildren: Kathleen, Siobhan and Martha Mahoney; Emma, Robert and Grace Lasch; John (Jackie) Helmer, Maura (Jack) Conway and Caroline and Meg Helmer; Hannah, Daniel and Roger McNamee; Lauren, Kathryn, Tom and Grace Welles; Patrick Lasch; Michael (Amanda), Erin and Conor Clark; Duncan, Mairi and Eilidh Edwards; William, Christian and Alexandra Lasch; 3 great grandchildren: Teddy Clark; Mary Conway; and Ellie Helmer; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his parents; his brother Edward and wife Catherine; his sister Mary and husband Joseph LoGuidice; and his uncle and aunt George and Kathryn Foy. The family would like to thank Dad’s devoted and dedicated caregivers - Ivener Dalberiste, Lisa Fortner and Comfort Yarmeto – for their tireless assistance the last few years as well as St. Peter’s Hospice. The Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, May 20, 2018 4:00 to 7:00 pm in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY. Please enter the church through the chapel doorway. Funeral services Monday, May 21, 2018 at 11:00 am in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY where his Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the USS Slater or the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY. To leave a special message for the family, light a candle, obtain directions or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com