QUEENSBURY -- Harry Paul Herbold, 86, of Queensbury, New York passed away at Westmont Health Facility with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
Born at home on August 13, 1926 in the Bronx (NY), he was the son of the late Harry and Pauline (Klotz) Herbold. He had many great stories of growing up in the Bronx where many of his extended family lived for many years. Harry moved upstate at age 11 to the small town of Lake Purdy where he spent the rest of his youth.
Harry was a 1944 graduate of Somers Central School in Somers, NY and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 35th Division and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge during WWII.
Upon his discharge he attended Cortland State Teachers College, graduating in June, 1950 with a B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He received his Master's Degree in Education from Plattsburgh State Teachers College in 1955.
On June 17, 1950, a week after graduating from college Harry married Annabelle Hartman in Plattsburgh, NY.
He had a long and distinguished career in Education beginning in Randolph, NY in 1950, continuing in Plattsburgh as Physical Education Director and then moved to Glens Falls in 1953 where he was hired as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher. In 1955 he became a fifth grade teacher at Jackson Heights Elementary School and in 1958 began a long tenure serving primarily as Principal of Kensington and then at Big Cross for the next 25 years. Among his many accomplishments, Harry received the first Apple Award presented by Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC} for his involvement with arts in the grade schools. Harry was an active member of the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and served on the Board of Directors for several years. He was also involved with the Retired Teachers' Association.
Harry was involved in many civic organizations. He was involved with Literacy Volunteers, Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity. He was also a member and president of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
Harry was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 55 years serving as Elder and Deacon. He also coordinated the 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School classes for several years.
After retiring from education, Harry and Annabelle enjoyed traveling near and far. They were able to visit Europe through a home exchange and traced the route he had taken when he served in WWII. They followed the Oregon Trail, visited Alaska, Hawaii and were able to travel through all the lower 48 states with their motor home. In addition to the trips after retirement, his children have very fond memories of the many camping trips when six kids would be packed into the station wagon during school vacations to see sites from Washington DC to Nova Scotia and all parts in between.
Harry and Annabelle enjoyed square dancing with the Merry Mohicans where they made many friends. They also enjoyed music and dance of the 40's. His children always enjoyed watching them and learning the finer arts of dancing especially the jitterbug.
Harry's happiest moments were spent with family, working outside, gardening and doing a variety of home projects. He renovated the entire house at 35 Sherman Ave, using it as an opportunity to teach his children basic skills in home repair. When visiting his children he always kept busy doing home improvement projects for them as well.
Besides his parents, Harry was pre-deceased by one brother, Thomas D. Herbold.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Annabelle; six children, Linda White and husband David, Laura Flower, Nancy Austin and husband Joe, Thomas and wife Janet, Susan Nolan and husband Miles, Paul and wife Suzan; his grandchildren Elizabeth, Diane, Susie, Sarah, Kate, Kali, William, David, Spencer, Tommy, Emma, Molly, Justin and 3 step-grandchildren, Clark, Brett, and Eric; great-grandchildren Jamie, Autumn, Brody, Julia, and Charlotte. He also leaves behind his aunt, Shirley Audenino, youngest of the seven Klotz sisters. In addition he leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Family and friends may call from 4pm to 7pm Saturday, March 23rd at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St, Queensbury, NY.
A memorial service to celebrate Harry's life will be held at 2pm, Sunday, March 24th at the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, 400 Glens Street, Glens Falls, NY, with the Rev. John Barclay officiating.
Burial will take place at Pineview Cemetery in Queensbury at a later date in a private ceremony with family.
We would like to thank the staff at Westmount Health Facility who supported and cared for Harry in his final days.
Harry always showed an interest in whomever he met. He was inquisitive, fun-loving, and truly enjoyed an active life. He cared deeply for his family and will be missed.
The family suggests memorials be in the form of a donation to a charity of one's choice.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.