Wayne Robert Hambrecht

Wayne Robert Hambrecht, 74, of Chichester died Thursday July 27, 2023 in New Paltz.  He was born in Flushing, New York on August 9, 1948. Son to the late Edward and Muriel Hope Hambrecht.

Wayne had an intuitive ability to repair not only vehicles but anything they had moving parts. His love of automobiles fueled his desire to improve his professional skills. As a 16 year old he was employed by Crossman Cadillac in Flushing Queens and in 1971 after his military service he obtained and maintained the Automobile Service Excellence designation of master mechanic. 1971 was the year of inception of the certification which he maintained until his retirement.

Wayne was drafted along with his older brother Eddie into the Army during the Vietnam War.  Wayne was stationed in Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks Alaska where his exceptional mechanical skills were applied to military equipment in an extremely challenging environment.

    After his military service Wayne had operated his own business Roway Automotive on Long Island. After recovering from a substantial health challenge he obtained a position at Frost Valley YMCA which he held for 30 years as their lead mechanical technician. His responsibilities included maintaining various types of vehicles, buses, logging equipment and military. surplus equipment, he truly loved his occupation.

Wayne was a parishioner at St. Francis de Sales Church in Phoenicia New York as well a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus for five years.

 He will be missed by many people in the community, he was a friendly man who was kind to all who befriended him.

 Wayne loved hunting, hiking and enjoyed the challenges of climbing to the highest peaks in the Catskills with his family.  Wayne and Rosalia loved their road trips to California to spend time with their family. They also traveled abroad, and lived in the state of Yucatan Mexico for a time. It was a wonderful experience.  He loved the ocean and relaxing on the beach.

 He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Rosalia Napoli-Hambrecht, his son Christian and  his beloved granddaughters Sophia and Olivia, all of whom reside in California. Wayne was also preceded in death by his only sibling Edward Palmer Hambrecht.

A Memorial Mass  will be celebrated on Monday August 7th at 10am at the St. Francis de Sales Church Main St. Phoenicia.  The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Shandaken Ambulance Squad. Arrangements are under the direction of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.  You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Wayne's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com 

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