Obituary of Harry Gainen

Harry Gainen, 95, of Pine Bush, died peacefully at home on February 16, 2009. Friends and family celebrate his life for all that he did and all that he meant to us. He had a wonderful life surrounded by family, which was his greatest pleasure. He also enjoyed all his grand dogs and grand cats, especially Maggie for whom he was a caregiver when her family was away. He enjoyed going to lunch with his family and became friends with many of the personnel in restaurants throughout the area. We will remember his sense of humor and the many memories he shared and created for us. Harry grew up in New York playing baseball in the streets, and later played shortstop for City College of New York. He graduated from NYU with a Masters Degree in Physical Education and was involved with children and teens directing youth recreational programs throughout the New York metropolitan area. He also worked for the United Nations for many years. He met the love of his life, Mary, in the neighborhood at age 15 and they had been together ever since. He is survived by his daughters, Myrna Calabrese and her husband, William of Pine Bush and Rona Gainen and her partner Alexis Truslow of Florence, MA; four grandchildren: Deborah Carr and her husband Patrick, Simra Alfonso and her husband Chris, Dana Calabrese and his wife Donna, all of Pine Bush, and Sasha Gainen-Truslow of Florence, MA; seven great-grandchildren, Greg, Tim, Stephanie, Kevin, Erica, Krista and Jenna; a sister Maggie Hammond and niece Alix of North Branford, CT. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary, whom he adored; a grandson Angelo Calabrese and sister Gus Rimai. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements entrusted to Richard A. Lalli, Director of the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. , Pine Bush, NY www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com