Harold Pine

Harold Pine, of Dunneman Ave., Kingston died Monday, April 14, 2008 at Golden Hill Health Care Facility. He was 90. A native and lifelong Kingston resident, he was born August 16, 1917, a son of the late Burt and Jane Eselby Pine. A graduate of Kingston High School, he lived in the fifth Binnewater until WW II. He married Sarah "Betty" Phinney on January 7, 1945. He earned the Navy rank of Carpenter 1st Class while serving during WW II in North Africa. He participated in the invasion of Southern France. He belonged to the V.F.W., Joyce - Schirick Post 1386. After the war he started Pine & Schmidt General Contracting, with partner Ed Schmidt. A third generation carpenter/contractor, he built over 100 homes throughout the area, including his own and the homes of two of his sons. With a reputation for quality work, he had many customers that returned every time they wanted new work done. A tireless worker on the job, he always had time for his family and was a devoted husband and father. He took the family on camping trips, taught his sons to hunt and fish and appreciate the outdoors. He loved his grandchildren and rarely missed one of their events. He probably spent more time, on the floor, playing with his grandchildren than anyone else in the family. He served as Vice President of the Jaycee Little League (now Colonial Little League) and led the building of the current concession stand. He was a member of the Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church Men's Bowling team for its entire existence and belonged to the Cottekill Fire Department. He will be dearly missed. One son Harold B. Pine died October 17, 1982. One sister Myrtle Straub and several siser-in-laws and brother-in-laws died previously. Surviving, in addition to his wife of 63 years, Sarah "Betty" Pine, are two sons William Pine of Kingston and Edward Pine and his wife Eileen of Hurley; one sister Susan Becker and her husband Casper of Cazenovia; one sister-in-law Jayne Phinney Osterhoudt; six grandchildren Aileen Pine Helsley and her husband Glen of Hurley, Jennifer Pine of Eugene, Oregon, Colleen Pine of Florida, Katie, Joseph and Caryn Pine, all of Hurley; one daughter in law Teresa Pine; many nieces and nephews. Reposing at the Simpson - Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9. The funeral service will be conducted on Thursday at 12:00 PM, Rev. Darlene Kelley will officiate. Interment, with military honors by the Joyce - Schirick Post 1386 Color Guard, will be in Hurley Cemetery.