Mr. Harry S. VanSteenburgh

August 19, 1916 - February 10, 2014

Harry S. VanSteenburgh, 97, of Gloversville passed away at River Ridge Nursing Home, Amsterdam, NY, on Monday, February 10, 2014. Harry was born on August 19, 1916 in Gloversville; he was the son of the late Samuel and Irene Wheeler VanSteenburgh. On June 21, 1941 Harry was married to the late Eleanor Brookhiser, they shared 55 years until her passing in 1996. Harry enlisted with the United States Navy and served with the 21st Seabee Battalion in the Western Pacific during World War II, as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. Harry was a self-employed painter and paper hanger; he retired after 23 years and became a Letter Carrier with the United States Post Office retiring after 20 years. He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers for 50 years. Harry will be warmly remembered for being a true gentlemen, having a gentle soul, and loved by many. He was a standout runner in the 1/4 mile and tried out for the 1936 Olympics. He was a center for the GHS Basketball Team and the Martin & Naylor Semi-Pro Basketball team, playing all the best semi pro teams throughout the North East. He ran the Gloversville YMCA City-wide basketball program in the 1930’s with over 100 teams in the program, he was a head coach of the Shamrocks Youth Basketball Team that traveled throughout the Northeast. Harry was the first President of the CSEA Labor Union that fought for a raise for all the workers and increased their pay from .50 an hour to $1.00. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and bowler. Harry was an active member of the Church of the Holy Spirit, served on the Parish Council, Holy Name, Usher, and worked on the Bingo Committee. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree post #245. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Harry is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Thomas and Phyllis of Gloversville. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 9:00-10:45 am at the Amico Funeral Home, 150 South Main Street, Gloversville, NY followed by a 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Burial will take place at Ferndale Cemetery, Johnstown, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. On-line condolences may be made to www.amicofuneralhome.com