Harold J. Sheldon

Hoosick Falls - Harold J. “Bug” “Harry” Sheldon, 94, of Hoosick Falls, New York, passed away at his residence on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Born on July 30, 1931, in Granville, New York, Harry was the son of the late James and Florence (Parrish) Sheldon. He was raised in the local community and graduated in 1949 from Salem Washington Academy in Salem, New York.

Following graduation, Harry began his working career at Wood Flong Manufacturing in Hoosick Falls before proudly enlisting in the United States Navy. He served his country during the Korean Conflict aboard the SS Johnnie Hutchins. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and resumed his employment at Wood Flong.

Harry later worked for Eveready Battery in Bennington, Vermont, from 1985 to 1989. In 1989, he joined Lydall Co., which had previously operated as Wood Flong, and remained there until his retirement in 1994. In total, Harry dedicated 44 years of service to his profession, a testament to his strong work ethic and loyalty.

Throughout his life, Harry found great joy in the outdoors and in his community. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He was an avid supporter of the Hoosick Falls Central School football, basketball, and baseball teams and faithfully attended their games. Harry also took great pride in organizing reunions for his Navy shipmates from 2005 through 2015, maintaining lifelong friendships and honoring their shared service.

He cherished summers camping at Lake St. Catherine, where he was well known for teaching waterskiing to many friends and family members. Harry was also a devoted Red Sox fan. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a longtime member of the Rupert Congregational Church. He was also a proud member of the Captain Maxson Post 634 American Legion in Cambridge, New York. Harry also shared a special bond with his beloved cat, LeRoy, who brought him great comfort and companionship and truly meant so much to him.

Harry is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Arthur) Hyde and Lori (Timothy) Wagner, all of Hoosick Falls, New York. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jackie Houran, William (Melissa) Hyde, Jeffrey Hyde, Leah Bush, Travis (Danielle) Wagner, and Ross (Jennifer) Wagner, and a cherished great-grandfather to Noah and Ben Houran, Cooper and Tucker Hyde, Karsen and Maize Bush, and Weston, Easton, and Everett Wagner. He is also survived by a special friend, Colleen Post of Cambridge, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Harry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 72 years, Marion Lourie Sheldon, who passed away on December 9, 2025; his son, Jay Sheldon, who passed away in 1982; and his three sisters, Doris Inglee, Muriel Hubbard, and Carol Lourie.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway, Salem, New York. A public burial for both Harry and Marion will take place in the spring at Rupert Cemetery in Rupert, Vermont, followed by a celebration of their lives.

Memorial contributions in Harry’s memory may be made to the Rupert Congregational Church, P.O. Box 87, Rupert, VT 05768, or to the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 16, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090.

To express sympathy or share a memory of Harry, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold J. Sheldon, please visit our floral store.