NORWICH – Harry D. Mudge, 76, of Norwich, passed away early Wednesday morning, Dec. 14, 2011, in the New York State Veterans’ Home of Oxford.
Harry was born in Pittsfield, the son of Harry J. and Hattie Ray Mudge in March of 1935. He grew up in the Pittsfield and Sherburne area and attended the Sherburne school where he played football. In September of 1953 he entered the United States Army serving his country during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in Sept. of 1956. On Oct. 12, 1956 in Greene, he married Freda Lawton Mudge who passed away Dec. 2, 2011. Over the years Harry and his family have made their home in the Smithville, Oxford and Norwich areas. While living in the Smithville and Oxford he was employed by the Raymond Corp and subsequently the Tracy Baking Co. in Norwich. Harry then went to work for Hank Wightman at Wightman’s Garage where he worked as a mechanic and eventually along with Chris Herrick took over the ownership and operation of the garage which was known as C& H Garage. Following the closing of the garage he went back to work for the bakery which was then owned by Victory Markets. Harry’s last employment was with Chenango Memorial Hospital where he worked as a security guard from which he retired.
Harry was first and foremost a family man. He was the “true American father.” He enjoyed his horse racing and wagering, long country rides with no particular destination, eating out, old time country music and, in his earlier years, attending square dances at Loomis’s Hay Loft. Harry was also an avid sports fan especially football and baseball. He was a frequent spectator at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events as they were growing up. He seldom used the word NO and was also well known for his honesty in any of his business dealings.
Harry is survived by his children, Darlene Townsend and husband Butch of West Palm Beach, Fla., Coleen Franklin and husband Steve of Oxford, Larry Mudge and wife Denise also of Oxford, Vicky Franklin and husband Randy of West Palm Beach, Fla. and Dale Mudge and wife Sharlene of Norwich, his grandchildren Julie and Tahitian Townsend, AmyJo Ingraham and husband Todd, Joseph Franklin and wife Maria, Steve Franklin, David Franklin and wife Nicole, Brandy Tipton and husband Robert, Larry Mura and wife Carolyn, Jennifer Guinn and husband Timothy and Ashley Mudge. Seven great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Besides his wife Freda, Harry was predeceased by his sisters Thelma (Betty) Fairbanks and Helen Palmatier and his brother James Mudge.
A memorial service for Harry will be held at 1 p.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Brian Conover, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate. Interment with full military rites will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.