Danning D. Lake

Scotia — Danning D. Lake passed away on March 28, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born on January 15, 1938, in Schenectady, New York, to Woodrow Sr. and Capitola Lake.

Dan was raised in Scotia and graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School in 1956. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1965, including a posting in Panama. In May of 1970, he married the love of his life, Helen L. Bishop.

A talented and dedicated bowler, Dan achieved recognition as a major league bowler and was inducted into the Schenectady Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2001. He was also a self-taught landscaper who turned his passion into a successful business, founding Dan’s Quality Landscaping in 1985. Dan took great pride in his work and had a deep love for gardening and outdoor projects.

Dan was a longtime member of the American Legion, dedicating over 30 years to the organization, and was well known and respected throughout the community.

He was predeceased by his parents, Woodrow and Capitola Lake; his beloved wife, Helen L. Lake; his brothers, Woodrow F. Lake Jr., Fredrick Lake, and Ronald Lake; and his sisters, Crystal Lake and Cynthia Kaczmareck.

Dan is survived by his loving daughter, Victoria Martell of Scotia, NY, his stepdaughter, Carrie Gardner of Smyrna, DE, his stepson, Stafford Branch of Saranac Lake, NY, and his brother, Barney Lake of Ephratah, NY. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Lynsea Hensel of Guilderland, NY, and Gavin Lizor of Scotia, NY. and his 3 step grandchildren, Sean Gardner, Holly Jarman and Emily Branch.

Calling hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. Interment will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.