Daniel L. Mortenson

Daniel Lawrence Mortenson "Morty" of Greene, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday December 21, 2022 at the age of 75. He was born July 28, 1947,in Brooklyn. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helene Mortenson formerly of Castle Creek; brothers, Kenneth Mortenson, Dennis and Nancy Mortenson of Whitney Point; sisters, Patricia Mortenson of Greene and Janet Mortenson of Whitney Point. He is survived by his only daughter, Lori Mortenson-Root of Statesville North Carolina; his 2 brothers Jack Mortenson and Lurleen Monteleone of New Paltz, Raymond Mortenson and Pam Burdick of Castle Creek; two granddaughters, Danielle Root and Dylan Herman of Newton North Carolina and Katelynn Root of Hickory North Carolina; one great grandson, Avery James Herman of Newton, North Carolina and many nieces and nephews. Bonnies Restaurant was a daily visit and he dearly loved owners Elizabeth and Ed Maley, and baby Evelyn and the entire family, Michele Kehl, Kaileigh Dunlap and we cannot forget Tamisha Frank as she was the supplier of his fashion statement LuLaRoe safety pants :)  Daniel was a 1965 graduate of Whitney Point High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably as an Infantryman in the Vietnam Conflict. Upon his return home, he worked at Raymond Corporation, United States Postal Service before opening Mortenson's Taxidermy Studio full time in Greene NY where he would be until retirement. He mounted animals from all over the world proudly bringing back the beauty they had in life. He was most proud of the "Sherwood Buck" largest deer taken in New York State for a time. He was known for his love of hunting, fishing and advocating for wildlife management and gamekeeping, Morty was dedicated to his family and friends. If he told you he would do something he, did it. He never met a stranger. He is well known for playing the part of Santa Clause for the local dog park you see he wasn't all about the children but the animals. He grew his white hair and beard for years to be all natural for the part. He even had a chicken come sit on his lap this year. He loved to tell a good story and he had many. Daniel was a staunch patriot, dedicated brother, loving father and grandfather, compassionate animal caregiver, loving his grumpy cat Moby when no one else could. Morty/Santa will be sorely missed.  His final walk until we see him again. A celebration of his life with military honors will be will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023  from1:00PM to 3:00PM at the Greene Rod and Gun Club with burial in Maple Grove Cemetery in Castle Creek. Dress casual. Donations in Morty's name can be made to the Friends of the Greene Dog Park, Inc. Please visit Facebook or send to 1294 State Hwy 12 Greene NY 13778.   Phone number 607-725-1446

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