Lawrence S. Kolota

Lawrence S. Kolota (Larry), 94, of Halfmoon, NY, passed away peacefully at his home with his loved ones at his side.

Larry was born in Hudson, NY, in 1931, the son of the late Stanley and Sarah (Youzwak) Kolota. He was also predeceased by his sister, Bernice Giangrossi.

Larry cherished his childhood in the close-knit mill town of Stottville, NY, exploring the great outdoors with his friends and their BB guns, playing sports - especially baseball, soccer and basketball - swinging into the local swimming hole, and performing stunts around town emulating Evel Knievel. Working alongside his father in the woods from a young age, he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life.

Since his earliest childhood memories, Larry loved music, especially happy, lively polkas. He played 1st clarinet in the high school band, marching band, orchestra, and lead alto saxophone in the school dance band. He also performed in a band with friends, sometimes paid with clams and beer.

After graduating from high school, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy, where he trained as an electronics technician, repairing naval communications equipment and more. He proudly served during the Korean War on the USS Missouri, seeing much of the world until his honorable discharge in 1952.

Helping young people was Larry's greatest interest. After serving his country, he attended Seton Hall University, where he earned his master's degree in education and played on the varsity soccer team. During his time there, he also coached multiple sports - including football, baseball, basketball, and track - at Boystown, a Catholic home for at-risk boys in New Jersey. With his degree, he taught 5th and 6th grades at Boystown, then moved on to teach 7th and 8th grade social studies and English at a local junior high.

Later, he attended Siena College, earning a master's degree in administration and supervision. He joined the North Colonie School District, teaching at the junior high and later at Shaker High School. There he taught European Studies and coached soccer until his retirement in 1986. Larry's career in education was deeply fulfilling, and he shared that journey with his wife Sonia while raising seven children.

Continuing his lifelong love of music, Larry played the alto and tenor saxophones and clarinet in several bands. He formed his own dance bands, the Larry Kay Band and Capital Sounds, playing gigs on the side for 15 years. In retirement, he enjoyed performing with The Swing Docs, and both the Clifton Park Senior Citizen Orchestra and Swing Band.

Larry believed the most important lessons in life were to work very hard for what you want, be friendly and kind to others, be loyal to people you know, and to be a reverent and moral person.

Larry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sonia (Bredderman) Kolota; his seven children: Larry Kolota Jr., Paul Kolota, Brian (Leah) Kolota, Marie Kolota, Michelle (Doug Erickson) Kolota, Dan Kolota, and Carole (Sam) Berg; their six grandchildren: Brianna (Michael) Morlock, Tyler Kolota, Paulene Kolota, Danny (Ari) Kolota, Seth Berg, and Sydney Berg; their 5 great-grandchildren: Audrey, Lynette, Lionel, Weston, and Palmer; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A period of visitation for Larry will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at St. Mary's Church, Crescent, 86 Church Hill Rd, Waterford, NY 12188, with a mass to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will follow the mass at 1:00 pm at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Veteran's Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.