Louis "Louie" F. Dunderdale

Louis “Louie” F. Dunderdale, 88, a life-long resident of Dolgeville, New York, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at his home.

He was born on March 28, 1935 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, Cleveland (Barney) Dunderdale and Ruth Irene (Sweet) Dunderdale. Louie was brought up by his beloved grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Dunderdale.

Louie attended Dolgeville Central School where he proudly played football for his alma mater school. He graduated with the Class of 1953.

After high school, Louie enlisted in the United States Navy on January 12, 1954 and was stationed at the U.S. Navy Photo Interpretation Center in Washington, D.C. as well as Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as a photographer. He earned the rank of PH3 Photographer’s Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class. He also earned the National Defense Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. Louie served during the Korean War Era and was honorably discharged from active duty on November 12, 1957. Upon discharge from active duty, Louie then transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves for several years and then transferred to the United States Navy Reserves where he completed his service in February 1983 with an honorable discharge.

On July 16th 1960, Louie was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lois J. Stephan at the Presbyterian Church in Dolgeville, New York. He and Lois raised their two children, Michelle and Jon in the same community that they had grown up in and always loved.  The couple shared a union of 39 years when she passed away on December 23, 1999.

Louis found his niche working for the New York Bell Telephone Company which is known today as Verizon as a Cable Splicer out of the Herkimer, New York location. He worked for many years until his retirement in 1998.

He belonged to many local organizations including the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, Lions Club, American Legion, Dolgeville Volunteer Fireman’s Benevolent Association and past member of the Department as well as the Dolgeville Lodge #796, Free and Accepted Masons.

For many years, Louie was totally immersed in the planning of the Memorial Day Parade and the honoring of all local service veterans in Dolgeville. He also became very involved with the Violet Festival Parade. For him, it was not a job, it was a passion. He loved and embraced all of these festivities.

In younger years, Louie enjoyed hunting, being outdoors, swimming and spending time with Lois and his family. He was also a social butterfly where he enjoyed spirits with his friends who were like family to him at Arthur’s Restaurant. In more recent years, Louie could be found sitting on Main Street sipping on his favorite Stewart’s coffee and reading the daily copy of the Times Telegram.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, fellow veteran, patriot and friend, Louie’s legendary life will forever be remembered by those who knew what a special man he was to so many.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Michelle Strait and her husband, Rodney of Fort Plain, NY; his grandchildren, Dr. Kimberly Keane and her husband, Kevin of Fort Plain, NY and Bradley Strait and his wife, Jamie of Ballston Spa, NY; great-grandchildren, Brady Keane, Dylan Keane, Timothy Keane and Kinsley Strait; his Dunderdale siblings; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Brian and Barb Ellis of Dolgeville, NY; and many, many special Dolgeville friends.

Louie was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Lois on December 23, 1999 and his beloved son, Jon Dunderdale on August 21, 1985; a sister, Joan (Dunderdale) Gressler and her husband, Russell; and brother, Barney Dunderdale; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol Linn and her husband, Bob.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Dolgeville Cemetery with Pastor Mark Hediger officiating. Members of the Dolgeville Volunteer Fire Department and the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge will honor Louie with their prayer services and will close with members of the United States Navy Honor Guard where they will accord military honors. All are welcome to attend.

The family is being cared for by family friends of the Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals, locally owned and family operated.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions for the Memorial Day Parade (For Future Wreathes for the Monument Presentation) or for the Dolgeville Violet Festival.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Louie’s family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a memory or photo for his memory book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis "Louie" F. Dunderdale, please visit our floral store.