Clyde Hartson

Clyde Archie Hartson joined his dearly departed wife-Rose-in peace and eternity with our Lord on August 13, 2025.

Archie, born August 8, 1952, grew up on the family farm on Crane Road, Winthrop, NY, and then Elliott Road, Winthrop, NY, with his parents and 7 siblings. He survived a childhood bout of encephalitis and remained strong, stoic, and resilient throughout his life, never complaining of pain. He was a "tough old bird."

Known for his jovial personality, Archie always had a joke at the ready. His niece, Samantha, remarked, "I can see Uncle Archie getting to the pearly gates and asking God, 'Did you hear the one about...?' and Aunt Rose saying, 'Archie!'" He loved the "Mike Besaw" gag where-in he'd bump into someone who would say, " I know you, but I can't remember your name." He'd reply, "Mike Besaw." They always said, "Yes, that's it!"

In younger days, Archie "Beanball" was an avid bowler and horseshoe player. He enjoyed baseball games with the siblings and neighbors-later spending hours playing catch with his own son, Matthew. He and Rose loved to jitterbug and spent many happy times at the old Countryside Inn with cousins Pete & Deb. He made a friend wherever he went, and would do anything to help anyone. Service to others was his love language.

Over the years, Archie worked on various farms, at Snell Appliance (where he met great friends Lloyd LaValley and Bob Barney), Randy's Collision, LTI, and, finally, Casella, before retirement. He still enjoyed raking hay for his brother-in-law, Steve.

He enjoyed his weekly visits with friends Herb Trimm, John Trimm and family & Billy, Craig & Amanda Simmons, cousin Dawn (Pat) Hewlett, as well as his many other family members. He'd pop in to see friends Keith Felix, Randy Gladding, Bernie Cheney, Pete & Betty Reiter, Kevin & Cindy Munson, or his like-family neighbors George, Karen, & Harlow Arquitt. He always made time for a coffee or a beer and a good chat.

Archie had a special bond with his brother, Jack, sister-in-law, Pat, and their children Samantha (Joe) Fiacco & Stefanie (Jon) Latimer, along with their grandchildren Derrik and Loretta Fiacco. They were next-door neighbors for 46 years, seeing each other daily. They spent many moments in the "Crane Road Customs" garage and porch solving the world's problems. He and his "favorite sister", Connie Cockayne, had many fond childhood memories and stayed close till the end. Archie helped on his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Bill Dubois's farm, traveled to Florida when his sister Linda & her husband Virgil were stationed there, worked alongside brother Claude on the family farm, and with sister Nancy on that farm. He loved visiting brother Jerry and playing with Milo the cat. The siblings remained a tight-knit group throughout their lives, especially after their parents' untimely death in 1989, and losing sister Nancy unexpectedly in 2024.

Archie married Rose Rosenbarker on September 23, 1978, spending almost 44 years together as soul mates on his childhood homestead, until her death in 2022. They had 2 children-Jennifer (Rich Frary) and Matthew (Rachael), followed by the grandchildren: Greydenn and his wife Sasha Griffin, Emma, Quinn, and Lucas Hartson. As youngsters, Jenn and Matt spent hours with him going on walks, bike rides, swinging, taking the "scenic" route on car rides, and playing ball, while the grandkids loved riding the 4-wheeler with him, earning the right to drive, while he rode in the trailer. Archie was very proud of them all: Jennifer-for her love, devotion, dedication, and navigating her parents' many medical issues, Matthew-for serving his country, his caring nature, and raising not only his own kids, but fostering others, also, Rich-for making Jenn happy, helping raise Grey, and who, when he told him he loved him, always said, "I like you, but if you keep it up I might love you.", Rachael-for serving her country, making Matt happy, working hard, and raising the grandchildren, Greydenn-for his kindness, determination, work ethic, and recent marriage to Sasha in his meadow, Sasha-for her sweetness and loving heart (He was her "cutie pie."), Emma-for her intelligence and wit, and Quinn-for her spunkiness and perseverance. He didn't get to meet baby Lucas, but was excited to have another grandchild.

Archie enjoyed simple pleasures: a good cup of coffee, crossword puzzles, classic country music (especially Merle Haggard), watching and feeding the birds, relaxing in his lounge chair, riding the 4-wheeler, cutting wood, reading a good history book, watching MeTV, and his daily 6:30 a.m. visits with Jennifer. He will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings: Shirley Dubois, Linda Greenwood, Connie (Steve) Cockayne, Claude (Nancy) Hartson, Jack (Pat) Hartson, and Jerry (Luci) Hartson, many nieces, nephews, and cousins by the dozens. He was predeceased by his parents Clyde and Ruth (Moulton) Hartson, wife Rose, sister Nancy, brothers-in-law: William Dubois, Virgil Greenwood, Wayne Arquitt, Pete Rosenbarker, Louis Norman, Albert Nehls,sister-in-law Edith (Rosenbarker) Norman, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, his wonderful neighbor-Ileen Arquitt, and good friends Lloyd LaValley, Sterling, and Gloria Trimm.

His family wishes to thank all the health professionals who cared for him these past few years-especially the Center for Cancer Care in Potsdam (Dr. Velmalia Matthews-Smith, Mikayla, Emily, Darien, Ron, Jocelyn, Rachel, Anita, the front desk ladies, and everyone else there.), doorman Joe at the hospital, Dr. Helen Soule, ER RN Ted, the old 2nd floor observation team, 3rd floor nurses Charity and Tia, hospitalist Charity, and the staff who made him comfortable at the end, Dr. Peter Hughes and his wonderful team at Canton-Potsdam Urology, as well as Dr. Neil Cichetti and the terrific team at North Country Adult Medicine. We appreciate your caring, kindness, compassion, and professionalism.

Arrangements are with Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Per Archie's wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice.