Obituary of Harold Gilbert Gifford

Harold Gilbert Gifford, 70, of Bulls Head Road, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, July 16, at his home. He was born in Gloversville, October 7, 1937 a son of the late Ami G. and Virginia Edmonds Gifford. Harold was a life resident of the area. He married the former Bonnie Pickett on February 23, 1969 at the Florida Reformed Church. He worked as a Truck Driver for Service Liquor Dist. in Colonie until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of the Chuctanunda Cemetery Association and a lifetime member of the Florida Volunteer Fire Department, serving, over the years, as Chaplain and at one time as Fire Policeman. Harold was also a 35 year member of Florida Reformed Church where he served as a Deacon, an Elder, and a choir member, and was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of Amsterdam, where he served, briefly, as a Deacon. A gentle man of uncommon grace and fidelity, Harold, elicited the trust of all who knew him, gave assistance to those in need, to the best of his ability, and valued his Lord, his family and his friends above all else. A man who worked hard his whole life, he was always happiest when his hands had a task to do. We are truly diminished by the loss of such a man. His loving family includes his wife of nearly 40 years, Bonnie Pickett Gifford of Amsterdam, sons; Jacob A. and his wife Sally and their children, Caleb Joshua and Seth Garret all of Amsterdam, Micah N. of Amsterdam, and Noah A. of Sprakers, a daughter; LeAnne Lopez-Carlessi and her children, Bryce and Breezy of Altamonte Springs, FL, brothers; Rev. George A. and his wife, Dona of Maine and Walter J. and his wife Doris of Virginia, mother-in-law; Fanny Pickett of Amsterdam, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Wendy Pickett, Evelyn and Mike Sheridan and Edward Pickett. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to his parents, Harold, was predeceased by a daughter, Hannah Elizabeth, a brother, Rev. Jerry W. Gifford, and his father-in-law, Walter Pickett. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at First Baptist Church, 479 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with Pastor Kenneth Bonnett, officiating. Interment will follow in Chuctanunda Cemetery in Minaville. The family will receive relatives and friends Monday evening from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam.