Montauk Community Remembers Carl Darenberg
Carl Darenberg, 64, a Montauk stalwart who owned Montauk Marine Basin, was discovered dead in Montauk Harbor on Monday morning.
The Montauk community was devastated by the loss, with dozens taking to Facebook to post condolences and tributes. Many reflected on Darenberg’s larger-than-life presence in the close-knit community, as he was both the life of every party and the nicest guy many had ever met.
“Carl was one of the most supportive people for live music and I will miss his smiling face and twirling silver streak of hair on the dance floor deeply,” posted local musician Nancy Atlas. “Much respect and sympathy to his entire family, which is basically all of Montauk.”
“You were the most generous, loving, and real human being that I have met in a long time,” posted Lola Snow of Montauk’s Lola’s tattoos.
Just west of the Napeague Stretch, Amagansett felt Darenberg’s loss as well. “The [Amagansett] Chamber extends his sincere condolences to the family of Carl Darenberg of Montauk. Carl was the unofficial mayor of our sister to the east and a big supporter of our own Chamber. He was a gentleman and a fun loving soul who will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace Carl.”
“If ever there was a man who epitomized “joie de vivre” it was my friend Carl,” posted Paul Monte. “He lived every day with a gusto and spirit that was larger than life. It was a joy, an honor and a pleasure to know him, work with him and call him my friend. Montauk and Facebook are both lonelier places in his absence.”
Darenberg’s frequent presence on Facebook was noted by many, as he was widely known for posting his often unflattering shots of people at area parties.
Atlas also noted, “I can’t shake the feeling that the sudden and shocking death of our unofficial Mayor, Mr. Montauk, Carl Darenberg is somehow tied in with the death of Old Montauk.” She reflected on how the community has changed but vowed to take up Carl’s fight for Old Montauk. “Do you hear me Old Montauk? You are worth fighting for because life is fleeting and while i don’t own this town in any way, shape or form I do hope to have a few more years here and I can surely represent and protect what is beautiful about it… Just like Carl did.”
Visitation is Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home 94 Pantigo Road, East Hampton. The funeral will be Friday, time and place to be determined. The funeral is Friday at 10 a.m. at Friday September 5th at 10am at St. Therese of Lisieux Church, 67 S. Essex Street, Montauk, officiated by the Reverend Bill Hoffman of the Montauk Community Church. Burial will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery on Cooper Lane in East Hampton. There will be a reception following burial at East by Northeast, 51 Edgemere Street, Montauk.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Sharks Eye Tag and Release Tournament, which will now be known as the Carl Darenberg Tag and Release Shark Tournament. Donations can be made at sharkseyetournament.com/donate