Harold G. Estes Jr.

ST. JOHNSVILLE - Harold G. Estes, Jr., passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born on December 29, 1940, in the Town of Root, NY, to Harold and Mary Crockett Estes, he married Shirley Jane Gifford on April 28, 1963.

Harold was predeceased by his parents and siblings Rose Marie Nauman Ring, Vernon Estes, Robert Estes, and Kathryn Smith. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, his brother Phillip (Deborah) Estes of Palm Bay, Florida, sister-in-law Sally Brenner of Gloversville, NY and his children: Daniel (Paula) Estes of Johnstown, NY, Susan “Suzy” (Mike) Iarusso of Fonda, NY, Anne Estes of Kealakekua, Hawaii, and Mary Anne (Stephen) Majoros of Houghton, NY. He also leaves behind multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.

Harold's career journey began in his teens, working on local farms where he developed a strong work ethic. He later started work at Palatine Dye. It was at this time when he and Shirley bought their home in St. Johnsville in 1964. From there, he went on to work at MDS and eventually landed his "dream job" at the Herkimer Home State Historic Site, Little Falls. After retiring with over 30 years of service with New York State, Harold continued to stay active, working at Amy’s Engine Repair, Hallmark, NBT Bank, and driving for a local car dealership. He was a member of Bethesda Christian Fellowship Church.

True to his nature, Harold lived with a meticulous and organized spirit, often joking that he had OCD but calling it “Organized Compulsive Disorder.” He had files for everything, each neatly labeled and thoroughly documented. His workshop and garage were just as orderly with every tool outlined to ensure it was returned exactly where it belonged. If a piece of fuzz appeared on the floor, he would stop everything to pick it up. Nothing was too small to escape his attention in his perfectly arranged world.

Vibrant and full of life, Harold was always ready for a drive with Shirley or anyone willing to join. A friend to many, he never met a -stranger - always eager to strike up a conversation and share a story. Even if you'd heard it before, Harold told it with such humor and passion that it felt like it was the first time. A natural storyteller, he found deep joy in connecting with others through his life experiences. He captured countless memories through photos and videos and especially loved going out to eat, turning even the simplest meal into a moment worth remembering.

Harold's love for exploring knew few limits. He was a student pilot and delighted in helicopter and hot air balloon rides whenever the opportunity arose. He and Shirley traveled extensively, visiting Hawaii seven times to see their daughter—each time bringing along different family members to share in the experience. Their adventures also included cruises to Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean, many trips to Florida, as well as other states, and a memorable cross-country road trip that retraced the path his parents had taken 50 years earlier.

Following his diagnosis in March, Harold was deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support. A lifelong visitor of family and friends, he treasured the time people took to call or stop in and share a moment. Every visit became a chance for him to tell a story, always with warmth, wit, and heart. He was especially grateful to Karen and Tom Jones for opening their home after the house fire and extended heartfelt thanks to the church family, relatives, and friends who stood by them during that incredibly difficult time.

Harold’s life was a beautiful blend of order and spontaneity, rich with adventure, grounded in family and friendship, and marked by his unwavering passion for storytelling. He was a man of many talents, and it was very rare to find something that he could not repair. He touched many lives, and his stories, and the way he lived, will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, at 12:30 pm at Bethesda Christian Fellowship, 7 East Main St., St. Johnsville, NY, followed by a luncheon at the HC Benefit Club, 538 Crum Creek Rd., St. Johnsville. Interment will be private.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the hospice team for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078.

Harold’s family honored his wishes of funeral arrangements made with The Enea Family Funeral Home located at 9 Center Street in St. Johnsville, New York.

His obituary is available to be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (518) 568-2300.