Obituary of Karl Scharl

VOORHEESVILLE - Karl W. Scharl, 75, of Voorheesville, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany. Born in Catskill on March 14, 1936, he was the son of the late Joseph and Berta (Dietrich) Scharl. Karl was a graduate of Catskill High School where he was president of his senior class and earned a bachelors degree from Syracuse University in 1957. He honorably served his country as a U.S. Army Intelligence Interrogator in Germany during the early Cold War period. Karl was retired from the University at Albany where he worked for over 35 years. A longtime resident of Voorheesville, he was, for a number of years, co-owner of Voorheesville Wine and Liquor. Karl had been a professional musician in his younger life, playing piano at resorts in the Catskills for tourists in the 1950's. Though he chose to discontinue playing music after college, he always carried his passion for music with him and loved to listen to his Stan Kenton albums at exceedingly high volumes. He was an avid sports car enthusiast his entire life, and participated in many hill climbs, gymkhanas and ice races in the Northeast throughout the 1960's, most successfully with his beloved Austin Healey 3000. In the 1980's, Karl took up sailing and spent a great deal of time with friends and family boating on Lake George. Karl had a great love and compassion for all animals and owned dogs and many cats. He was also a very strong supporter of Syracuse University athletics throughout his entire adult life. In retirement, Karl was a committed volunteer, having given countless hours of his time to many local and national organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Town of New Scotland Senior Outreach and Community Caregivers. Most of all, Karl enjoyed a good glass of wine and great dinners with his family and friends. His unconditional love, his wonderful sense of humor, his generosity and his enduringly cheerful and welcoming nature were Karl's hallmarks. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife, Kitty Scharl; and son Christian Scharl and his wife Mako; and son Peter Scharl. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 4 to 8 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208-3256.