Desharnais, Ernest J.

LAKE LUZERNE – Ernest J. Desharnais “Desy”, 88, passed away peacefully July 2, 2023 surrounded by family. Born in 1934 in the Bronx, New York City, Desy attended St. Jerome’s Grammar School and LaSalle Academy. Son of the late Geoffrey and Margaret nee McLoughlin, he served in the U.S. Navy 1951-1955 as a radar operator during the Korean conflict. He earned a B.S. in Business from Fordham University and served as V.P. of Sales for Continental Title Insurance Co. Known among friends and family for his accordion and harmonica playing and singing, deep involvement in his parish community, and for his big heart.

Predeceased by siblings Kathleen “Kay” (Philip Purdon), Mary Euphemia “Phimmy” (James Dunn), John, Margaret “Margie” (Frank Fedanick), Grace (John Boles), Anne (Vincent Viola), Louise (Frank Rogers), and Geoffrey (Marion); and brothers-in-law Denis Quane and Richard Quane, and sister-in-law Liza Quane nee Atienza. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Anna nee Quane; children John (Noreen nee Liesenfelder), Kevin (Saloni nee Sareen), Michael (Jennifer nee Dalton), Kathleen (David Russock), and Margaret (John Sarro); grandchildren Maura (James Corbett), Brendan, Daniel, Sean, Eileen, Kathryn (Katie), Kieran, Leela, Natalie Sarro, Claire Sarro, Rory, and Ginger Grace “Gigi”; great grandchild Owen Corbett; brother-in-law Michael Quane; sister-in-law Alma Quane nee Lucerie and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.



Visitation will be Monday, July 10 from 4-7 pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209 (518) 463-1594. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 11, at 11:00 am in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar, NY 12054. Interment to follow at Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wildwood Foundation https://www.wildwoodprograms.org/index.php/donation.