COLONIE, NY – Victor “Red” David Ensslin, Jr., 88, died peacefully Friday, October 24, 2014 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany with his family at his side. Born in Albany, NY on March 16, 1926 and was the son of the late Victor and Catherine Ensslin. He was a graduate of Vincentian Institute in Albany. He served in the US Navy during World War II as a prestigious Gunner in the South Pacific on PT Boat 578 and he returned to serve in the Korean War.
He was employed by the Fort Orange Press in Albany as a printer for many years before retiring. He was a member of the American Legion and a former member of the German-American Club in Colonie. Red found the love of his life Mary, created an amazingly beautiful family of many generations that he loved more than anything else. He was a kind, loving, selfless man to everyone, and will be cherished forever. Red loved dancing with his beautiful wife, golfing, and his 26 years of vacationing in Florida. Simply put he was the life of the party. He was known as the “Bubble Gum Man”, putting a smile on everyone’s faces as he handed them the Dubble Bubble.
He is the beloved husband of 65 years of Mary Catena Papa Ensslin; devoted father of 8 children, Dale (Ilze) Ensslin of Bangor, PA, Cathy (Jerry) Griner of Colonie, Darlene (John) Wright-Blake of Pipersville, PA, Nancy (Pete) Lanza of Colonie, John (Mikki) Ensslin of Loudonville, Tom (Christine) Ensslin of Altamont, Janice (Dan) Kenneally of Loudonville and Laurie Owens of Averill Park; proud grandfather of 24 grandchildren, Kasey, Sam, Brianna, Christie, John, Jennifer, Mike, Joe, Dan, Jason, Jasmine, Ethan, Sasha, Courtney, Tatiana, Evan, Jack, Dylan, Rachel, Jayne, Jill, Michael, Elizabeth, and deceased baby boy; great-grandfather of 5 great grandchildren, Cole, Paige, Johnny, Blake and Thatcher; dear brother of Joyce Ludwig of Albany. He is also survived by many, many well-loved relatives and friends.
Calling hours are on Monday October 27th from 4-8 pm at the Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham. The funeral will be held on Tuesday October 28 at 9:15 am from the Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, Latham and at 10:00 am at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant House, Times Square Station, PO Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900.
Condolence book at bowenandparkerbros.com.

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