Alexander H. Waruch

Albany - Alexander H. Waruch died in Albany after a short period of declining health. He was 92 years old.

Born November 21, 1914 in Brooklyn, N.Y. he was the son of Efim and Domnekia Waruch, who had emigrated from the Ukraine. The second of nine children, he was the brother of Abraham Waruch of Kerhonkson, and was predeceased by sisters Helen Coddington, Mary Brace, Vera Spada, Thelma Schoonmaker, and Kathryn Vivian, and by brothers Sam Waruch and John Waruch.

Formerly married to Doris Ryan Waruch of Ellenville, Alex was the devoted father to Nancy Waruch of Greenbelt, Md., Cynthia Houck of Phoenix, Ariz., Penny Waruch of Greenfield, Mass., and Steven Waruch of Castleton, N.Y., as well as uncle and great-uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Alex grew up in Kerhonkson, N.Y. and had many colorful stories about his farm upbringing. He often laughed about hiding in the woods while a whiskey still he "helped" with was being raided during prohibition. One of his favorite stories was of his father's walking a newly purchased draft horse from Kingston to Kerhonkson, when Alex met him in the family car, allowing his tired and grateful father to drive home while Alex led the horse the rest of the distance.

In his early adult years he drove a freight truck, allowing him to travel through much of the United States, which he remembered fondly whenever on the road or when looking at maps. He joined the Army in 1941, advancing to Sergeant, and during WW II, he was stationed in Skagway, Alaska, working proudly as a construction foreman during the building of the Alaska Highway.

Many times he recalled his discovery and renovation of an abandoned sawmill which became key to the success of his project. He never forgot his time in Alaska and loved to tell the story of that adventure. After the War he began his long career as a builder and carpenter.

He married Doris Ryan in 1946, and soon afterward built the house on Leurenkill Road near Ellenville that would be his home for most of his life where he would cut down his own trees for the lumber used to build it. Over the following decades he was responsible for innumerable home construction, remodeling, and improvements projects in the Ellenville area; always taking great pride in doing the highest quality work, as well as being able to solve seemingly impossible problems. He was a life-long master gardener of his own making, every year growing an overflowing garden that he shared with neighbors and family. He also enjoyed hunting and ice fishing, following current events, and reading about science and nature. Alex lived his most recent years in Castleton, N.Y. to be near his son, but always thought of Ellenville and Kerhonkson as his real homes.

Visiting hours will be held from 10-11 a.m. at H.B. Humiston Funeral Home, 30 42nd St., Kerhonkson on Saturday, November 24th. A celebration of his life will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Pine Bush Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to VFW Post 1455 Edgar S. Taylor Post, 197 Canal St., Ellenville, NY 12428 or to Roundout Valley Animals for Adoption, 4628 Rt. 209, Accord, NY 12404.

Arrangements are under the direction of H.B. Humiston Funeral Home. 845-626-3331