Harry E. Hoage

LITTLE FALLS - Mr. Harry E. Hoage, a cherished figure in the tapestry of Little Falls, New York, and former resident of St. Johnsville, NY was born on December 8, 1943, and left this world on October 11, 2025. Before his passing Harry resided at Valley Residential Herkimer. With a strong Episcopal faith his journey through life was as rich and layered as the wooded trails he loved to traverse in his beloved countryside. With a smile that could brighten any room and a heart that overflowed with warmth, Harry was the embodiment of kindness and community spirit.

Harry was known by Manny to family, Dad to many and Poppy to some. One of his great joys was helping to raise his grandson Ryan who he called his BoogaBoy. As a helping hand at the St. Johnsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, he dedicated his life to providing support to others. Known as “Dad” by many of Mary Beth’s friends, he wore the title of family man with proud distinction, always ready to offer a hug or lend a hand. His legacy lies in the countless moments of encouragement and love he shared with his family and friends, becoming not just a father but a guide and mentor to many.

Harry was not only deeply rooted in family but also a passionate hunter and fisherman, finding solace in nature amidst the open woods. This love for the outdoors intertwined with his fondness for animals, especially dogs and cats, encapsulating his gentle spirit. His dog Molly, a black cocker spaniel, held a special place in his heart, living alongside him through the laughter and the challenges of life.

Known affectionately for his proximity to his in-laws, Luella and Donny Wells, Harry found joy in daily acts of kindness, particularly during the fragrant days when they made bread. The aroma wafting through the air signified more than nourishment—it symbolized love and togetherness, traits that defined Harry’s very being. Those who knew him fondly remember his vibrant personality and his passion for cooking, often spotted in the kitchen at the Little Falls Moose Club, where Harry was a member and held a seat, whipping up special meals and delighting in Friday night grilling sessions.

Harry's playful side was evident in his enjoyment of horror movies, which he relished with laughter and thrilling trepidation. His penchant for oldies music filled his home with nostalgia, blending a sense of comfort with memories of treasured moments. Alongside his brother Daniel, they bonded over cutting up deer, turning harvests from the wild into memorable family feasts—stir-fried venison seasoned with stories of days gone by. Harry loved Christmas Eves at his mom's house where all the Hoages gathered to visit eat and then went to Christmas Mass.  Harry always loved the Hoages picnics with the wheel lol. He loved holidays with all the different families from Hoages, Smiths, Wells and Fords.

In his formative years, Harry left a mark on the local sports community, coaching men's baseball fondly as "Mr. Buttermaker." His passion extended to coaching AYSO Soccer, nurturing the talents of St. Johnsville young athletes and instilling in them the values of teamwork and perseverance.

Harry's honorable service and discharge in the United States Army shaped both his character and his respect for discipline and order. Friends and family could surely recount tales of his dedication, strength, and endless generosity, reflective of the soldier he was long after the uniform was laid to rest.

He leaves behind a vibrant legacy of love and devotion, cherished by a web of family, including his adoring daughters: Mary Beth Hoage and her wife Jan, Lisa Fassett and her husband Dale, Diana Armstrong and husband John and Vanessa Hoage. His grandchildren—Ryan Blush and his girlfriend Abby, great-granddaughter Ella Blush, along with Landon Brockway, Jude Branck, Rebecca and her husband Curt Baker and son Blake, Jessica Fahey, Aria LaJuett her kids Caylee, Olliver and granddaughter Jenna LaJuett and her children Glenn and Eli—are a testament to his nurturing spirit and boundless affection. The family tree also blossoms with daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, siblings Daniel and Christine Hoage,  Patricia and Bruce Malone, and Jody Hoage, along with sister-in-law JerriLynn Smith and her son Mark Esposito and grandson Marcus and brother-in-law, Gerald J. smith, Jr., and son Kyle and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Resting now in peaceful remembrance, Harry is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jane Hoage, their son Jason Michael Hoage, his mother Regina (Filkins) Hoage, his father Harry C. Hoage, sister Vonnie Hoage, and his devoted canine companion, Molly.

A memorial service is scheduled for November 1st, 2025, 12:00 NOON at Emmanuel Episcopal Church 588 Albany Street in Little Falls, and then next door at the Parish Hall where a gathering of friends and family will eat and share whispers of memories and laughter will float through the air, celebrating the life of a truly great poppy, friend, and an all-around great guy. Harry E. Hoage will be dearly missed, but his warmth continues to glow in the hearts he touched, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to know him. The family plot is at Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills, New York where he will be layed to rest when the family is ready.

It is with great honor his arrangements have been bestowed upon The Enea Family Funeral Home at 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls. His obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 823-2424.