Obituary of Harold W Elliott
Harold W. Elliott, 98, of Vestal, New York passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024. His life started in New Berlin, New York where he enjoyed a small town and rural upbringing. When he wasn't helping his parents out with various chores on the farm or at the Elliott Brothers Meat Market, he was busy obtaining all the badges he needed to be an Eagle Scout. He was one badge shy of the honor because New Berlin lacked a swimming pool. (Nonetheless, the skills he learned in Boy Scouts would be crucial later.)
In 1942, a sixteen-year-old Harold graduated from high school at the top of his class. Harold's mother, Ella, decided he should become a pharmacist so he enrolled at Albany College of Pharmacy. He attended Albany College of Pharmacy for two years before volunteering to serve in World War Two. By early 1945, Harold found himself fighting with the 45th infantry division across France and Germany. He and his fellow army mates were the first to discover the atrocities committed at the Dachau Concentration Camp. Shortly after the liberation of Dachau, Germany surrendered and Harold found himself in Munich for government reconstruction efforts. Harold was always a proud WWII veteran but the memories from that time weighed heavy on his soul.
After his release from the army, Harold completed his BS in pharmacy and graduated in 1948. Shortly thereafter he married Shirley Howard and settled down in Vestal. He worked as a pharmacist at Endicott Johnson Medical for many years while filing in for many local community pharmacies. He would finish his pharmacy career at Binghamton General Hospital where he would meet his second wife, Ingrid Kluger.
Harold stayed busy in retirement. He delivered Meals on Wheels and served as president on the board of directors. He was also involved with: The Broome County Office of the Aging, The Southern Tier Senior Advocacy Council, The AARP Chapter #3077, The BPOE Endicott #1977, and The Vestal Veterans Memorial Association. Harold rarely missed a blood donation appointment with the American Red Cross - he was a lifetime 10 gallon donor.
Harold was a loyal husband and dedicated family man. He loved his family, friends, and neighbors. He always worried about the well-being of others and would drop everything to help someone in need.
Harold was predeceased by his parents, Ward and Ella Elliott; his first wife Shirley Elliott; his second wife (his Schatzi) Ingrid Elliott; his brother Donald Elliott; his brother Robert Elliott and his wife Carol Elliott; son-in-law Paul Martinez; and brothers-in-law Roland, Norman, and Jacob (Lois) Kluger. He is survived by daughters Valerie (Bruce) Fineout and Vickie Martinez; sister-in-law Violet Elliott; grandchildren Rachael (Shane) Hutchinson, Adrienne (Steven) Sutton, and Paul Martinez; great grandchildren Hollace Finver, Connor Hutchinson, and Charles Sutton; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
The family would like to thank his home health care aides, Theresa and Debbie, who provided Harold with excellent care and compassion the last few months of his life. We are grateful for your help in keeping him comfortable at home for as long as we could. Thank you also to the staff at Mercy House for being there for him (and family) at the end.
Funeral services will be held in the spring and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy House of The Southern Tier: https://mercyhousesoutherntier.com.