HARTFORD – Harry L Hafner, 71, formerly of Hudson Falls and Las Vegas, passed away peacefully at home on September 11, 2018, after a short illness.
Harry was a graduate of Hudson Falls Central School, where he excelled in basketball and track. He served as a Sergeant in the US Air Force. Upon returning home, he became a NYS Certified Cabinetmaker. Harry was the Coordinator of renovations for Glens Falls Hospital and the proprietor of Hafner Construction, for many years. After a long illness, he joined Whiteman Chevrolet, where he worked for several years until retirement.
Harry’s loves were his family, construction and cars and he always felt lucky to have them all.
He was predeceased by his parents, Donald Bell and Nellie (Lewis) Hafner, his brother, Thomas, his in-laws, Gorman and Edna VanAernem, his brothers in law, Richard Gorman VanAernem and Robert Joseph VanAernem and his sister in law, Carol VanAernem.
On October 30, 1965, Harry married Mary E. VanAernem and they have spent a loving life for over 52 years; his other survivors include, three beloved children, Julie Lynn Durham and her husband, William Jr, of Las Vegas, NV, Richard Donald Hafner and his wife, Kellie of Schroon Lake and Erik Gorman Hafner and his wife, Lynda of Hartford; five cherished grandchildren, Thomas Joseph “TJ” Hafner, Shaylyn Kate Brancati and her husband, Michael, Jacob Harrison Hafner, Michelle Stephanie Mann-Saumier and her husband, Tom and John Matthew Funiciello; and his beautiful great granddaughter, Fallon Lenore O’Dell; he is also survived by his loved brothers in law, Thomas R. VanAernem and his wife, Renee of Hudson Falls , George E. VanAernem of Hudson Falls and Barb Van Aernem of Conway, South Carolina; and several nieces, nephews, an aunt and several cousins.
The family extends our heartfelt thanks to all of the Doctors and Nurses of Hudson Headwaters, HCR and High Peaks Hospice who were so competent, compassionate and kind to him during his illness.
Friends may call on Sunday from 1 to 4 P.M. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Following the calling hours, family and friends are welcome to share memories of Harry.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
Rich and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad, will always remember him fondly.
Best wishes
Steve and a Debbie Call
Rich and Family,
Very sorry to hear about your dad, I will always remember him fondly!
Best Wishes
Steve & Debbie Call
Mary, I was shocked to hear of Harry’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Because I live in Texas, I won’t be able to attend the services. I am so sorry that I can’t be with you. May God keep you in His loving arms and give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love and prayers, Barb (Barbara Bump Smurphat)
I worked with Harry for many years at glens falls hospital . our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hafner Family . R.I.P. Harry .
Dear Mary, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry to hear about your loss.
Mary Ellen sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Harry and I grew up in the same neighborhood.many good memories.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all of your good memories be greater than your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)
My condolences to Mary and her family. Harry was a nice guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Rich, Kellie & Family
So sorry for your loss.
Mary,
Emmy and were shocked and saddened by the news of Harry’s passing. I watched him play basketball in high school., talked with him a lot at GFH, and Whitemans. You and Harry were great neighbors on Pleasant View Dr. You and HF lost a great guy. Our thoughts are with you, Julie, Rich and Erik.
Gary Wilson
Mary and family,
I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling at this time.
Please know that I’m thinking of you
Mary, Julie, Richie, and Eric- please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I was sad to hear of Harry’s passing – brought back a
Flood of wonderful memories when I was your babysitter so many years ago. My deepest sympathies are with all of you-such a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
dear mary so very sorry to hear of harrys passing u always had a glow in your eyes whenever you would speak of him my deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your loving family may God be with you
dear mary so sorry tohear of harrys passing you always had a “glow” when u spoke of him my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you may God comfort you and your family
Mary Ellen and family, my deepest sympathy in the passing of Harry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ellen and Family, My deepest sympathy in the loss of Harry. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Mary Pat Binetti Burns
Julie, Rich & Erik – our deepest sympathies to you and the entire family on your loss. Prayers to all of you.
Mary, My sincere sympathy at this most difficult time.
Dear Mary so sorry to hear of your loss of your husband Harry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie, Bill, and family-I am so very sorry to hear of your family’s loss. May beautiful memories help you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Amy and Pete Sorbera
Mary and family – We were saddened to learn of the passing of Harry. He was one of the most charming and warmest of men. sending lots of hugs your way. God Bless, The Ibbotson Family.
Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Harry was such a special person. My memories of him are a strong, careing, and just a nice man. Even though the time I got to know him was a very difficult time for him, he always stayed strong. I’m sure he will be missed. Sending my sincere condolences to all.
Judy Iuliucci ( Harry’s nurse from many years ago. I was called him my favorite patient)
Mary, I was sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My sympathy is with you as I remember how well you spoke of him over the years. I wish you comfort and peace at this sad time. Sincerely, Leah Scrafford
Mrs. Hafner, Julie, Rich and families, Very sorry to see that Harry Had passed away. Condolences to you all.
Dear Erik and family, I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Thinking of you all. May memories of him bring you comfort at this time.
Hafner and VanAernem families. I remember fondly listening to HF hoops games on WWSC with Don Metivier, and later watching in person. Harry was like a soft-spoken gentle giant, yet very talented and not someone you wanted to tangle with. He was a great representative of Hudson Falls . My sincerest sympathies to all of you.
Thank you to the many friends of Harry and his family for their kind words and memories. With gratitude from all of us.