PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After a life full of adventure, Larry Gepfert Sr., died on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at home in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He was 89.

Born on May 9, 1936, to John “Gordon” and Minnie May Gepfert of Colonie, he married Ann Christine Woodward of Clarksville in 1958. Together, they resided there for many years.

“A veteran of the United States Coast Guard as an aviation machinist's mate,” his family wrote in a tribute, “ Larry participated in Operation Deep Freeze by setting up the original McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Following that expedition, he became a member of the International Ice Patrol in Newfoundland.

“Afterward, Larry worked for the town of New Scotland and then as a supervisor for the State of New York’s Department of Transportation. He was an active member of the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Department before retiring and moving to Hadley, New York, and then to Pt. St. Lucie, Florida.

“Larry was an avid and accomplished hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He enjoyed many years of elk hunting in Colorado and deer hunting in Clarksville and the Adirondacks with family and friends.

“A skilled craftsman, he built exquisite furniture and a family cabin on the upper Hudson River, and helped his son build a log cabin in the high Rockies of Colorado. Larry gave freely of his time and resources helping others, gathering people, and investing in community. His sense of humor will lift people for years to come.”

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Larry Gepfert Sr. is survived by his son, Larry Jr., and his wife, Lauryn Maloney-Gepfert; his grandson, Brad, and his wife, Vanessa Gepfert; and his great-grandchildren, Lawrence III and Cecelia Gepfert.

He also leaves behind his granddaughter, Emma-Leigh Feiler, and his sisters-in-law, Marylou Woodward and Marge Gepfert. “His many nieces, nephews, and friends will miss him greatly,” his family wrote.

His wife, Ann, died before him, as did his brother, Robert.

A graveside ceremony in Clarksville will be held in the spring.

“You can honor him by calling on an elder or giving someone a helping hand,”his family wrote, adding that memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Department, Post Office Box E, 2178 Tarrytown Rd., Clarksville, NY  12041.