Harry L. D. Weldon

Harry Lawrence DuBreuil Weldon, age 89, a longtime resident of Dryden, NY passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Harry was born January 10, 1935 in Wellsville, NY, the son of the late Larry R. and Edna Gowan Weldon. Harry graduated from Hamilton High School, NY in 1954. Harry talked the most about memorable times of vacationing in Saranac Lake, fishing, and the NY O&W Railroad that ran near his home. Although he lived during the age of rock ‘n’ roll music, he never enjoyed it and preferred the old classics. The “Mr. Cool” in him enjoyed riding a motorcycle well into middle age. Harry met his wife, Eleanor, after high school, and married on May 18, 1957 in Cuyler, NY settling in Dryden a few years later where they remained and raised their family.

Harry had a lifelong dedication to the Boy Scouts of America for 77 years, most notably as the Scoutmaster for Dryden Troop 24, and as an instructor at Camp Barton, Cayuga Lake, and was honored with many awards and achievements throughout the years. Ever since joining the Boy Scouts, he enjoyed camping whether it be in a tent, a cabin, or with the family in a camper. He looked forward to summer camp and Jamborees with the scouts sitting around a campfire telling stories and cooking on the fire. He was the Dryden Town Historian, and a member of the; Dryden Town Historical Society, Dryden United Methodist Church, Caroline Masonic Lodge #681, and Dryden and Harford Senior Citizens. He also gave his service to many other organizations in the community through the years. He was most passionate about history for which he wrote a weekly column, “Anecdotes and Brevities,” for the Dryden Courier, and published a book titled “Around Dryden,” a postcard history series.

Harry retired from Dryden Central School after 22 years as a school bus driver. He previously worked at Smith Corona, Cortland, NY for the engineering department. An active mind of many interests and talents, he taught survival skills, gun safety, and first-aid. He joined the Army Reserves, and sang tenor in barbershop quartets, as well as for the church choir. He also enjoyed hunting, repairing computers, reading history, especially about the Civil War, and researching. He cherished his family genealogy, and the history of the Dryden area most notably.

Upon retiring, Harry traveled with his wife on bus trips visiting many states. He always dreamed of traveling to Ireland and Scotland where his maternal side of the family had roots. They attended many of the shows at the local theaters and especially enjoyed school productions when a grandchild had a role. He still stayed active with organizations in the community in various capacities. Harry was rarely seen without a cup of coffee nearby or his watch on his wrist. Other favorites were cashews, chocolate covered cherries, black licorice, and a good “mooing” rare steak. The Boy Scouts taught him to always be prepared. He always had a pen and notepad in his shirt pocket with a handkerchief in his pants pocket. When it came time to relax, you could find him in his favorite chair with his hands behind his head and ankles crossed watching western or military movies with his favorite being John “The Duke” Wayne and reruns of M*A*S*H on TV. Harry enjoyed the most being with family and loved the energy and humor at the many family gatherings throughout the years. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren watching them grow up.

Harry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor (Seeley) Weldon, his children; Diane (Kenneth) Morley, Theresa, NY, Keith (Julie) Weldon, Groton, NY, and Denise Weldon-Clark, Charlotte, NC, his grandchildren; Kayla Morley, Derek, Brett (DeeAnn), Chad (Emma), and Kyle Weldon, Mariah (Dennis) Boyd, and Kara (Isaac) Wright, his great grandchildren; Adelyn, Khloe, Rosalie, Everly, Adley, and Quinn, and step great grandchildren; Sophia, Hoyt, and Kirklynn.

Along with his parents, Harry was predeceased by his; step sister, Edna Ebel (Joseph) Brundidge, mother and father in laws, Letha Maine Reader and Lawrence (Pauline) Seeley, brother in law Ramon (Pauline) Seeley, and son in law, Christopher Alan Clark.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dryden United Methodist Church, PO Box 193, 9 East Main St., Dryden, NY 13053 or the Dryden Town Historical Society, PO Box 69, 14 North St., Dryden, NY 13053.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, June 4 at 11:00-12:30 PM at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden, NY. Funeral services at same location from 12:30-1:30 PM with Rev. Robyn Hays officiating to include a Masonic service. Interment will follow at the Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, NY.