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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.