David R. Lorenz

David R. Lorenz of Riverside passed away March 26, 2013, after a lengthy bout of illness. He was 75 years old.

He was born March 2, 1938, in Riverhead to Oscar and Madeline (Payne) Lorenz.

As a young man at Riverhead High School, under the guidance of Coach McKillop, David held the state wrestling championship record for many years. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Navy but became dismayed that the Navy didn’t offer wrestling. When re-enlistment time came, he switched to the U.S. Air Force and learned to box under their leadership, for which he earned trophies. After discharge, he moved back to Riverhead and worked for Adchem Assoc. until retirement.

Mr. Lorenz was a well-known, recognized figure around Riverhead for many aspects that defined him. If you didn’t know him for his handlebar mustache, you knew his two-tone 1981 Corvette! Those who knew him best could find him in recent years at 7-11 on Route 58 from 10:30 p.m. on with a cup of coffee in his hand, a toothpick in his mouth and a wave of the hand to all he knew as they came in and left.

Mr. Lorenz leaves behind a daughter, Sondra Gail Frazier, a son, David Scott Lorenz, a granddaughter, Makalia Frazier, and a grandson, Luke Frazier, all of Churchill, Tenn. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth A. Topping, of Unadilla, N.Y.; brothers William O. Lorenz of Bainbridge, N.Y., Douglas R. Lorenz of Mt. Vernon, Texas, Frederick J. Lorenz of Dumas, Texas, and Jack W. Lorenz of Piedmont, S.C. He was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Madeline Lorenz, lifelong Riverhead residents, and his brother Paul D. Lorenz.

Visiting hours were held March 28 and 29 at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a funeral service was held March 30. Interment with military honors followed at Flanders Cemetery.

This is a paid notice.