ONEONTA - Our beloved Douglas A. Lasher (Dougie) passed on to his Heavenly reward on Saturday July 4, 2015, following a hemorrhagic stroke. One of Doug's greatest gifts that he readily shared with everyone he encountered was his generosity and humor. Perhaps his greatest and final act of love was his prearranged choice to donate his vital organs to those in need. Because of him, three strangers will receive a new lease on life.

Doug met and fell in love with his wife, Marilyn, at the young age of 24. For more than 40 years they never left each other's side. Doug and Marilyn are longtime residents of Oneonta, NY where they raised their two children, Matthew and Kimberly. He was born and raised in Fowler Indiana, the son of Emmett and Genevieve Lasher. He was a graduate of Fowler High School and Purdue University. Even though he chose to live in Oneonta, his roots in Indiana remained close to his heart. Without fail, his family endured a few bars of "Back Home Again in Indiana" each time they crossed the state line to visit family. Doug was passionate about his family and his hobbies and was devoted to his Catholic faith. He was an avid outdoorsman, fly fisherman, bicyclist, and sailor - interests he was eager to share with all he cared about. At one point or another, he seemed to either collect or be active in everything under the sun. He was an active environmentalist and read extensively. However, nothing seemed to bring him more pleasure than a meal with the ones he loved. Because of him, there was never an abundance of leftovers at the Lasher household.

Doug retired from a 35-year career at Amphenol Corporation in 2014. Since his retirement Doug has devoted much of his time to Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities, and helping his friends and family. Doug never refused a request to help family, friends, or strangers and often volunteered before he could be asked. Doug's heart seemed to get a bit bigger each time he saw his family. He cherished being a devoted husband, loving father, caring big brother, and doting grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn; his son, Matthew (Shannon); his daughter, Kimberly Sparkman (Bill); his beloved Grandson, Jude - "Love you Pops!"; his sisters, Maria (David Sankey), and Theresa Sisson (Rob); 6 nieces and nephews, and a community of friends that will love and miss him always.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

Funeral Mass will be 10:15 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 2015 at St Mary's Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Fr. David Wm. Mickiewicz, as celebrant. Internment will be immediately following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities, 176 Main St., Oneonta, NY or to Habitat for Humanity, 291 Chestnut St., Suite 284, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Expressions of sympathy may be send to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com