Harold Joseph Grunenwald Jr., 61, of Kingston

Harold Joseph Grunenwald Jr. died on Feb. 6, 2019. He was a loving husband, father, educator and friend.

Born on April 8, 1957, son of Harold and Shirley (Snyder) Grunenwald, he was brother to Margaret (Grunenwald) Maines, and was a lover of life and a lifelong learner and educator.

Married to Susan (Hesler) Grunenwald, they were blessed with four children (Harold Joseph III, Ross, Karl, and Kirsten) over the course of their almost 40-year marriage. Harold spent most of his adult life educating children and young adults in the hope that his efforts and love of learning would help to enrich the lives of his students and foster in them a love of learning and pursuit of knowledge. That love of learning led him to complete several degrees and certificates of higher education: Bachelor of Science from Siena, a Master of Science in Education and School District Administration from SUNY Oswego, and work towards a Master’s Degree in Entomology from the University of Delaware. Hal’s education career spanned 30 years, as a teacher of the sciences and department head at Chittenango High School, an administrator of Math, Science and Technology at South Lewis Central Schools, as well as at various school districts in the Hudson Valley.

A man of pride, responsibility and conviction, he actively participated in clubs and organizations to help better the communities in which he lived. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, CNY REACT, ARIES, RACES, KHS Boosters, Ulster County Republican Committee and Co-Founder of Mid-Hudson Limb Loss group (associated with ACA). An avid hunter and lover of nature, Hal had a special love and appreciation for the wilderness of the Catskill region and the wonders that could be found so close to home.

Harold leaves behind his mother, Shirley; sister, Margaret; his wife, Susan; their four children and spouses (Harold III and Jennifer, Ross and Suzanne, Karl, Kirsten and Connor Dugan); seven grandchildren (Connor and Alex, Zoey, Alyssa, and Madison, Lily, Gideon); nieces (Kate, Martha, Madeleine); and nephew (Matthew); and the scores of lives that he has impacted as a teacher, volunteer, mentor, and friend.

Although you have passed on, your legacy lives on through the lives that you have touched. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Funeral and cremation arrangements are under the guidance of Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home Inc. (www.jvleahyfh.com) Friends will be received at the funeral home on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. A service will take place at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.