Robert W. Laraway

03/13/2003

Robert W. Laraway, 68, of Division Street died early yesterday morning at home following a long illness. Born in Hudson, N.Y., on Dec. 23, 1934, son of Adam W. and Florence Rightmeyer Laraway, he attended schools in New York and was a 1953 graduate of the former Ockawarnick Central School in Claverack. Following high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War. He was employed by Mead Corp. in Lee for 26 years, retiring in 1997. For four years, he worked as a tour guide at Naumkeag in Stockbridge. An active member of the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington, Mr. Laraway was a former chairman of the worship committee. He volunteered for 15 years on the Hurlbut Employees Federal Credit Union board of directors, and was also a supervisory committee member. He enjoyed reading, gardening, hiking, kite flying, bike riding and traveling. His first wife, Kathleen A. Laraway, died May 18, 1993. He leaves his wife, the former Betty Prentice, whom he married Sept. 18, 1994, at First Congregational Church. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, John Laraway and Richard Laraway, both of Great Barrington; two stepsons, Jon M. Owen of Otis and James E. Owen of Norway, Mich.; a sister, Jacqueline R. Clark of Lee; a grandson and a stepgranddaughter. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Robert W. Laraway will be Monday, March 17, at 11 at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, conducted by the Rev. Charles Van Ausdall. Burial will be later in the spring at Union Cemetery, Mellenville, N.Y. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 16, from 2 to 5 at the funeral home. He leaves two stepsons, Jon M. Owen of Otis and James E. Owen of Norway, Mich.; his grandson, Craig A. Laraway; and stepgranddaughter, Kathleen E. Owen of Waterford, Conn. He was predeceased by his first wife, Kathleen A. Laraway, who died May 18, 1993. Memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through the funeral home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.

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