 Harry Alfred Dunham, 78, died on Friday, December 25, 2015 at the NYS Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY with family at his side.
“High School,” as he was known, was born May 19, 1937 in the Town of Pittsfield. He was a graduate of New Berlin Central School and an honorable veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from April 8, 1957 to April 2, 1959.
Harry’s main occupation was commercial printing. He worked in this capacity at The New Berlin Gazette, The Sherburne News, The Oneonta Daily Star, and for 28 years at The Mid York Press in Hamilton and Sherburne. After his retirement, he began his own small business, Dunham Printing, where he developed many friendships and professional contacts. Harry also worked part time as a school bus driver and a mail carrier.
In his spare time, Harry enjoyed camping, woodworking, hunting, and golf. Harry loved working with children, serving as Little League coach, Pony League coach, and umpired in several capacities. In fact, Harry was a gifted athlete despite his 5’7” stature, developing into a genuine basketball star in high school, where he earned his nickname. In his youth, Harry walked around the streets of New Berlin dribbling a basketball, developing the quick reflexes and skills that earned these praises. As an adult, Harry was a devoted Freemason, serving as a Past Master of Phoebus Lodge #82. He was also a Past Patron of the former Tianderah Chapter #457 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Harry developed lifetime friendships through these service organizations.
Without a doubt, Harry’s greatest devotion was to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carole Slentz Dunham, his son Jeffrey B. Dunham and partner John Isenberg of Vestal, his son Joseph H. Dunham of Norwich, and his two beloved grandchildren, Alexis Dunham of New Berlin and Joey Dunham of Norwich. In later life, Harry’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Harry is also survived by several brothers in law and sisters in law, cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom shared a close relationship with him. He was predeceased by his mother, Estelle Wilma Dunham. At the NYS Veterans’ Home, Harry forever touched the hearts of both residents and employees. A kind word, a warm smile, or a twinkle in his bright blue eyes was all they needed to know that they were cared about and appreciated. We are grateful to the entire staff at the Veterans’ Home for their tender, graceful, and heartfelt care.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Dakin Funeral Home, 17 North Main Street, New Berlin, NY at 11:00 AM, with James Willis officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in New Berlin. The family will receive friends at Dakin Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
Memorial donations may be made in Harry’s memory to NYS Veterans’ Home at Oxford, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830.
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Jeff Ackerman
Endicott, NY
Harry was a very nice person, always smiling. He was one of the people that made New Berlin such a great place to grow up in.
I'd like to offer my condolences to his family, I'm very sorry for your loss.
Bill Currie
Alabaster, AL
Even though it's been 50 years since I left New Berlin, Harry is one of the people I remember. He was always nice and would talk to me just a kid.
I remember him playing basketball. Are at guy! My condolences to the family.
Shirley Webb
Oxford, NY
Carol and family..... So sorry to just learn of your loss. Blessings to Harry's family, you're in my thoughts!
Much love to you and yours.
David Brennan
Fort Wayne, IN
Sorry to learn of the passing of Harry. He was truly "a great guy" in every aspect. The world was a better place with Harry's presence.
Jerry Cummings
Port Crane, NY 13833
HI Carole, So sorry to hear about Harry. Jerry Howard had told me recently he was at the Vets Home in Oxford.
Wishing you and your family well in the new year. Time will help you heal.
Nancy Hurlbutt Gennosa
Elmira.N.Y.
I was so sorry to read about Harry's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
May you think of all the good things and may they bring you comfort.
Patti George Gladstone
Norwich, NY
So sorry to hear of Harry's passing. I have fond memories of him when we were kids and used to hang out in their basement with son Joe.
Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Kerry & Terry Ray & family
New Berlin NY
Sorry for you loss he was a good man he will be greatly missed.
Hatzie
New Berlin, NY
Hi, Mrs. Dunham. I'm so glad I had a chance to talk to you and Harry at the reunion. In the old days I was always impressed with how
although I was the one over 6 feet tall, he was the one who could put the basketball where it was supposed to go.
Dave and Laurie Clarke
Norwich, NY
Carole, we are thinking about you and your family, and send our sincere condolences as you try to process the loss of such a good husband,
father, grandfather and human being.
Patricia and Carl Houghton
New Berlin, N.Y.
We were very much saddened to hear of Harry's death, and we wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Harry was always a very pleasant natured person, and we enjoyed seeing his contagious smile and twinkling eyes. We pray God will grant you the comfort and healing needed at this difficult time. My sisters Anne and Kathy also send their condolences. God bless you.
Bill & Jayne Novak
Manlius, NY
Fond memories of Harry when I was a kid, he was always friendly. Very sorry for your loss.
Bob and Sandy Smith
Norwich NY
Carol, Jeff and Joe, It is with sadness I write about Harry's death, although I realize he is in no more pain and with a loving and caring Heavenly Father. I have nothing but fond memories of Harry during my time as working for Victory Mkts in New Berlin. I was always a pleasure to have a chat with him on any number of subjects. Carol thank you for sharing about Harry's health problems, life is so unfair too many times. We just attended yesterday a funeral service for a longtime friend from Norwich Carla Hunt Schenker, this time of life is difficult because we loose so many friends
We are currently in North Carolina with our grand kids. So will not be able to attend the services. But do know you will be in our thoughts and prayers. With Love I send our condolences
Donna Davenport
Sherburne, NY
Dear Carole and family, So sorry for your loss of your beloved Harry. And all of our beloved Harry. He was a special guy and classmate.
Sorry, I can't attend due to a health problem. A big hug to you and take care of yourself. Donna Boice Davenport
Karl Slentz
Rochester, New York
Uncle Harry was a peach ... calm and dedicated to his family ... He never got overwhelmed when all the Slentz's came to visit,
he just showed us love and laughter ... He was a great man and he'll be greatly missed ...
Tom Morone
Norwich, NY
Carole sorry for your loss jus keep on going.
Bonnie Jean Bauer
New Berlin, NY
Harry will be missed by many. It was always so pleasant to have a little chat with him out and about in the village.
As newcomers he made us welcome. Our sincere condolences to all who will miss him so.
Eileen Figger
New Berlin NY
Want to express my sincere sympathy for your lost and let you know I am thinking of you.
Carol Morey
Norwich NY
So sorry for your loss. He was a great person.
Dr. Donald & Violet Elliot
tNew Berlin, NY
I first knew Harry when he was in high school. Always a pleasant and friendly person.
Don knew him from the Masonic Lodge where he was a faithful member. We will miss him always.
Keith Wilcox
New Berlin, NY
So sorry for your loss, harry was a great friend, wish I got over to see him one last time.
Dave & Annie Lane
Hernando, FL
Carole - I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Our sincere condolences go out to you and your family.
He is at peace now. You need anything at all, let us know.
Irene Williams
Gilbertsville, NY
Carole and family - my thoughts are with you at this time.
Knowing that Harry will now be at peace should be a comfort to you as hard as this time is.
Vivian Yarnall
Norwich, N.Y.
Carole, I am so sorry for your loss.
Don & Marcia Smith
Pt Charlotte, FL
Carole, you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Harry will be missed by all for his friendly smile, his hello and his helpful hand to everyone.
Joan & Al Chapin
Titusville, Florida
Carole and family, We have many special memories of Harry. His kindnesses will live on forever. His devotion to Mason's was felt by many. He helped me many times when I had things to be printed. His kind smile and easy ways always made one feel special and a friend. He will be missed.
Scott & Kelley Carnachan
Norwich, NY
You're All In Our thoughts & prayers.
Steve & Erika Gennarelli
Tampa, FL
Sending Jeff, John & the entire Dunham family our sincere deepest sympathy.
Jeff, your Dad is with you in spirit and he is by your side. He is in the arms of Jesus now and any suffering and sadness is just but a memory.
We're here if you need us. With Love, Steve & Erika.
Janet Slentz Conklin
Eugene, OR
Uncle Harry was a gentle soul. I have fond memories of staying at Carole and Harry's house, playing with Jeff and Joe and hanging with Shirley. Uncle Harry printed our wedding invitations as a gift, one that I still cherish. I loved it when he would take me in his shop and show me what he was working on. On my last visit I was ablebtobdrive sit on the porch at the farm, and have a private chat. He talked about his love for his family, and his years as a Mason. Such a gift. Big big love to all of you!
Gina Perry
Guilderland, NY
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Dunham's passing. My thoughts and prayers to all of the Dunhams.
I have fond memories of Mr. Dunham. He was a great man, husband, father and grandfather.
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