Obituary of Paul J. DeSarbo

Troy-Paul Joseph DeSarbo, 85, entered into eternal rest on December 31, 2022.  He was born to the late Joseph and Margaret DeSarbo of Schenectady on July 16, 1937. 

Paul began his lifelong career as a professional photographer working at Crest Litho as a lithographer, followed by employment at Universal Photo, Berkey Photo (Color Craft) and later, Bicknell Photo.  He had a love for entrepreneurship which led him to own many self-owned businesses, such as, Highbridge Deli, Highland Farms Restaurant, Elite Photo, and Prestige Photo & Portrait Studio. 

On April 29, 1979, he married the love of his, Linda Brunk. They resided in the Village of Altamont and later settled into Troy. Paul was a lifelong member of the American Legion Helderberg Post 977.   He served on the Altamont Fair board and started JAAF (Junior Associates).  Paul’s proudest accomplishment was being an active member of his community serving as trustee and then Mayor to the Village of Altamont from 1993 to 2005.  Paul will be remembered for his loving, caring, generous personality and was always a listening ear to anyone.  He loved animals, nature, antiques and enjoyed watching his cowboy movies.  Paul had the gift of gab; and he was a frequent caller to check in on many people.  He also loved to joke and tease those he loved, especially his beloved grandsons, Anthony and Dominic.

Paul is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Heather (Jeffrey) Adams, son Brian DeSarbo (Michael Walsh), grandsons Anthony and Dominic Adams, sister Diane (Michael) Pollock, brother Bruce (Phyllis) DeSarbo.

A celebration of life service will be held at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 5:00pm.  All are welcome to attend.  Relatives and friends are invited prior to the service and may call from 3:00-5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to the American Legion Helderberg Post 977, PO Box 461, Altamont, NY 12009, Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave Schenectady, NY 12302 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.