Karl Franz Schwarzenegger, Sr. 96, of Catskill, NY passed away at his home on Monday, March 2, 2026. Karl was born in Vienna Austria. He was the son of the late Franz and Wilhelmine (Kugler) Schwarzenegger. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores (Dazzo) Schwarzenegger and brother Franz Schwarzenegger. Karl grew up in Kinberg, Styria Austria where he attended school and completed his apprenticeship as an engraver. Karl’s love for music took him in a new direction. He loved entertaining people and started his own 8-piece band at 18 years old. As an exceptional saxophone and clarinet player, Karl moved to Köflach Austria to work for a coal company "Voitsberg-Köflach Revier" to play in their highly regarded company band. Karl also attended conductor's school in Graz.
In November 1955 Karl and his wife Maria Ricter, and their 2 sons Karl Jr. and Ewald, immigrated to America. He worked various jobs in the Bronx including managing the Steuben Beach Club while continuing his music career. In 1960, Karl and his wife purchased Peter’s Guest Farm in Spruceton, a Catskill Country Inn. He renamed it Sunshine Valley House. After a divorce with Maria, Karl remarried Dolores O’Connell and continued operating Sunshine Valley House, until retiring and moving to Catskill in 2001
Karl loved German and Austrian Folk music and performed with many bands of this genre including the original Knickerbockers, Spitze, the Dominoes International Orchestra, of which he was a cofounder, and The Schwarzenegger Connection with his son, Arnold. Karl had the opportunity to perform in many states and venues including 2 tours of Austria and Germany. In his 90’s, Karl was a member of The Coxsackie-Athens Community Band and The Ghent Band. His music career provided him with the opportunity to be an inspiration and teach the Clarinet and Saxophone to many children and adults.
He is survived by his brother Gunther Schwarzenegger, sons Karl Schwarzenegger Jr, Ewald Schwarzenegger, Arnold Richter and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew.
Care has been entrusted to Decker Funeral Home, condolences may be left at www.deckerfh.com.
A graveside service is scheduled for 11 am on April 25th, Westkill Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life following afterwards at the West Kill Community Center in West Kill, NY
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Coxsackie-Athens Community Band c/o P McIntyre 87 Washington Ave. Coxsackie, NY 12051.
