Louis A. Lofrese Sr.

We remember with fondness the long life of Louis A. Lofrese, Sr., who passed peacefully on July 6, 2025 at the amazing age of 101.

Born in Middletown, New York in 1924 to Rose and Eustachio Lofrese, Lou graduated Middletown High School and worked as an ice deliveryman. He served honorably in the Army during WWII, where he was deployed in the China Burma India Theater and achieved the rank of lieutenant. Lou went on to have a notable post-war career as a liquor salesman for a large upstate liquor distribution company, establishing a lifetime of interpersonal relationships along the way before retiring in 1986.

After the war, Lou met Colleen, who would become the love of his life. Lou and Colleen married in 1948 and raised seven children, with many years of memories in a warm house often packed with family, friends, and neighbors on holidays and gatherings. Lou and Colleen traveled the world, gathering lifelong memories in Europe, Egypt, China, Italy, and the USSR, to name just a few. They also drove to Alaska – twice. Lou and Colleen loved to ski, often taking trips to Killington, VT, and they loved to eat Lobster on the rocky shore of Bar Harbor, Maine.

Lou dedicated many years of service as a volunteer fireman for the McQuoid Engine & Ladder Company #3 and was also a long time member of the Elks Club until the day he died. Lou stayed active, playing racquetball well into his 80’s, but he also enjoyed a nice cocktail hour and good Italian food (as long as it didn’t have Parmesan cheese).

A life long fan of the New York Giants, Lou held season tickets dating back to the Polo Grounds. He saw some historical moments, including “The Greatest Game Ever Played” at Yankee Stadium in 1958 against the Baltimore Colts. The Giants honored Lou as part of their 90th season celebration at halftime against the Cardinals, bringing him out to the 50 yard line where he shook hands with greats Frank Gifford and Lawrence Taylor, among others. As part of their 100th anniversary celebration, the Giants again honored Lou, this time on stage before a packed Madison Square Garden Theater. Lou’s love of the team fostered a similar passion in many of his children and grandchildren, as well as an endless number of tailgating memories (which sometimes included cocktails with players and coaches).

The Lofrese Family is extremely grateful to Lou’s home health care workers, Cesar Hizon and Roody Telcy. Their care and attention allowed Lou to spend his last 1-½ years at home.

Lou will be missed. A final toast to a long, full life.

Lou is survived by his children: Claire Lofrese of Beacon, New York; Daniel Lofrese of Middletown, New York; April Bickmore of Santa Barbara, California; Laurie Mitnick of Bradenton, Florida; Douglas Lofrese of Hackensack, New Jersey; Louis Lofrese, Jr. and wife Alexandra of Danville, California; and James Lofrese and wife Wendy of New Hampton, New York. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Daniel, Jr. (wife Camellia), Christopher (wife Arianna), Jillian, Shea, Mackenzie, Alexandra (husband Chris Bloome), Nicholas, Joseph, Jacob, Connor, and Abigail. Lou is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Colden, Bella, Clara, and Rocco. He was predeceased by his wife, Colleen, brothers Francis Lofrese and Anthony “Dutch” Lofrese, sister Rosemarie “Babydoll” Shannon, son-in-law Dan Mitnick, and daughter-in-law Helene Lofrese. 

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Martinez Morse Funeral Home 33 Railroad Avenue Middletown, N.Y. from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 9:30AM at St. Joseph’s Church 149 Cottage St., Middletown, NY, with burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.