Obituary of Earl L. Hare

Earl L. Hare, age 91, a well-known resident of Mayfield, died tragically in a fire at his home on Wednesday morning, March 31,2021.

He was born August 25, 1929 at home in Mayfield, the son of the late Leverne and Evelyn Gifford Hare.

Earl was educated and graduated from Mayfield Central School district. Earl attended and graduated from Cortland University, Albany State University, and attended Siena University for courses in Guidance counseling. Earl served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. Earl worked at Lohse Florist for three years, which he loved. Earl was a teacher at Meco Elementary and Oppenheim-Ephratah schools and was also a guidance counselor and substituted at various local schools. Earl was a scout leader at Woodworth lake boy scout camp, where he taught many to swim and canoe. There Earl at age 16, met his lifelong friend Norman McGrattan, 97, who survives. Earl had driven on many trips across our country taking scouts, teachers, and seniors to various places. Earl stated his all-time favorite place to visit was Prince Edward Island. Earl as a young man ushered at Radio City Music Hall, and bell hopped as various hotels, which later in life led to his love of ushering at both SPAC and Proctors.  Earl had ushered at high school graduations for many years. Earl was a true lover of the arts, he loved all types of Sports, Music, Ballet and plays/Musicals, Earl was often seen sitting in the front center seat of local productions. Earl often stated that the Hitrick family for generations has kept his love of music alive, and that he felt Alex Hitrick was the best he ever heard, giving him A+++.

Earl loved people and his community, having a strong sense of civic duty, always willing to serve, often assisting at church with anything he could do. He loved the churches Midnight runs to feed the homeless in NYC. Earl served on the Soil and Water board, and the local grange for many years. Earl enjoyed volunteering at any event, especially the Bannertown Fair, church, and school events. Earl was proud of his Mayfield heritage, and his heart was filled with “Panther Pride”.

Earl was a friend to all, never saying a negative thing about anyone. Earl greeted everyone with his big smile, jovial laugh, and firm over exaggerated handshake. Earl always loved to learn everything he could about the people he encountered. Earl loved his daily Stewarts coffee, and the people he met, and swimming at the YMCA as often as he could.

Earl is Survived by his four nieces, Catherine Madden, Mary Allen, Penny McLemore and Carole Madden (Patrick Calhoun); and many grand and great-grand nieces and grand and great-grand nephews.

In addition to his parents Earl was predeceased by his beloved sister Arlene Madden who passed away in 2020.

A memorial service will take place at Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church on Sunday April 11th at 12:00 pm, with the Rev. Bonnie Orth Officiating. Due to Covid-19 Regulations, seating will be limited. Facial covering and social distancing will be required.

Interment will take place in the spring at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Northville.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Mayfield Presbyterian Church P.O. box 432, Mayfield NY 12117 or the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12208.

The family would like to extend their deepest heartfelt thanks to the entire community for their outpouring of love and support of our Uncle, and the Mayfield Fire Dept. and First Responders, and Jessica Leach from the funeral home, ensuring Earl’s remains were treated with the dignity he deserved. As well as, Ryan Lorey, Sheriff Giardino, Bill and Ann Trojan, WTEN and Rev. Bonnie Orth.

Arrangements were entrusted to Walrath and Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville. Online condolences to the family may be made at brbsfuneral.com