Austin D. Preston, Jr. "Chappy" of Fawn Ridge Road, Lake Placid, NY passed away Monday, April 13th, 2026 at Elderwood of Uihlein at Lake Placid. He was born March 8, 1939 in Lake Placid, NY the son of Austin D. Preston, Sr. and Helen Jenny Preston. Chappy fell in love with Patricia Lamica and they were married for 61 years. Patricia passed away Feb 27, 2025.

Chappy grew up in Lake Placid and over the years made several close friends. He was an avid outdoorsman and cherished the time he spent fishing and camping with his family and friends. He also enjoyed deer hunting and hunting rabbits with his dogs in the Averyville and Bear Cub Road area. Chappy worked in Lake Placid as a dog sled driver on Mirror Lake, providing exciting rides for the many tourists that came to the area. He also worked at St. Agnes Church and School for several years before taking the job in the maintenance department at Lake Placid High School. Chappy loved to make crafts and could be found tinkering in his shop carving birds and special keepsakes that he gifted to his many friends. Chappy and Pat loved all their dogs, and most recently their dog Gracie was always by Chappy's side or on his lap.

He is survived by three sisters, Cindy Scanlon and her husband Don, Beverly Fisk and her husband Frank, and Millie Hodges. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Carl/Butch Gonyea and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Chappy also leaves behind his close friend Shirley Hence and special friends Warren Clark and Rowan Torrance. Chappy was predeceased buy his parents and several brothers and sisters.

Calling hours will be held Friday April 17th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Rev Paul Kelly will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery.

Visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory, upload a photo or leave condolences for Chappy's family and friends to cherish.