Harry Joseph Motschenbacher

Harry Motschenbacher, 78, beloved son, husband, father, brother and grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters on March 31, 2023, after some time spent in Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, NY. He was born on October 24, 1944 in Woodhaven, NY to Harry and Patricia Motschenbacher. He is survived by his wife Diana Motschenbacher, daughters Jennifer and son-in-law Kevin Webb, and Kama and son-in-law Ryan Cawley, sister Patricia Kendall, grandchildren Jacqueline (21) and Bailey (16) Webb, and Claire (16) and Ryan (14) Cawley, Jr. Many additional family members will also mourn his passing; Amy Motschenbacher, Beth and Paul; Paul and Patty Desimone, Paul Joseph and Danny; Wayne and Sue Desimone, Sean, Jason and Lauren; Rosemary Desimone, Tricia and Frank Panasci, Daniel and Cody Kendall and all of their families. He is predeceased by his much loved brother, Richard (Dick) Motschenbacher, formerly of Southold, NY.

Harry graduated from Hicksville High School (class of 1962) and attended SUNY New Paltz. Harry served in the Army from 1966-1968 in the First Air Cavalry in Vietnam. He married Diana (neé Desimone) on August 17, 1968. They would have celebrated their 55th anniversary this summer. He was a devoted husband, father, and son. He raised his family in Hauppauge, NY.

The many family members, friends, and neighbors who knew and loved Harry will remember his sense of humor, his generosity of spirit, the love and loyalty he showed them, and his adoration of his wife Diana, their daughters, and their families. Harry was a proud father and grandfather who built memories on family vacations at the beaches of Corolla, NC and Isle of Palms, SC. Those are cherished memories of good times together.

A life long Long Islander, he enjoyed the history of the area and the beaches – especially Robert Moses State Park Field 5 where he spent many Saturdays body surfing the waves, walking to Kismet with beloved friends and enjoying a glass of wine. As a family, the Motschenbachers enjoyed many road trips, holiday gatherings, vacations, and so many ordinary moments that were filled with love and laughter.

Harry had a long career in the title insurance industry at Security Title and Guarantee Company where he rose to the level of Vice President. His love of cars, especially Mustangs, was well known. Harry went on many trips to car shows with Diana or his brother Dick, both local and further away, where he amassed a collection of car parts and memorabilia. He built many model cars, restored a 1971 Mach 1 and kept his 1988 Mustang GT. He was creative and curious, intelligent and protective of his loved ones.

Harry lived his life on his terms, true to himself and always with love for his family. He was a true friend to many and mentor to those who worked with him. The love and pride he had in his family was tangible and well known amongst them. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.