Obituary of Harry J. Carter, Jr.

DOLGEVILLE – Mr. Harry J. “Bud” Carter, Jr., United States Army World War II Decorated Veteran, a former Mayor of the Village of Dolgeville, NY for several terms, and an all around great man passed away at the age of 95 on Tuesday March 6, 2018 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY with his devoted wife Lois at his side.

He was born on May 23, 1922 in St. Johnsville, NY a son of the late Harry J., Sr. and Blanche (Oathaut) Carter. He was a graduate of St. Johnsville High School, ‘Class of 1940.’ Bud enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and was sent overseas. He was a member of the elite General George Patton’s Mystery Division. Bud, a platoon leader in the 12^th Armored Division 56^th Infantry, received a sharp shooter medal. He was the recipient of 2 Bronze Stars, as well as the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Along with other medals he was to have been awarded the Silver Star for the Battle of Herrlisheim but unfortunately all Bud’s records were lost in the fire in Washington, D.C. in the 1980’s. He also was to be awarded the French Presidential Medal of Honor given to American Soldiers for helping the French people during Herrlisheim, Diligen Bridge and Colmar. Following his military discharge in 1946 with the rank 2^nd Lieutenant, he was recognized with presidential commission.

He was first married to Elnor Babcock who died in 1978, and in 1984 married Lois (Stalnaker) Ashe in Dolgeville. He was a Buyer with General Electric Aerospace in Utica, retiring after 32 years, and served as Mayor of Dolgeville. He was a member of the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, the General Electric Golf League, past member of the Dolgeville Lions Club and past member of the Dolgeville VFW. His wife Lois fondly reflects how integral Bud was with the building of the Veterans Memorial at Plowe Park.

Dolgeville was so special to Harry J. (Bud) Carter:

Elected mayor 3/16/71 for 2 - year term.  Ran unopposed on Republican ticket.

Elected mayor 3/20/73 for 2-year term.  Ran on Republican & Democratic ticket, won 428-2.

Elected mayor 3/18/75 for 2-year term.  Ran unopposed on Republican ticket.

Some timeline highlights during years 1971 - 1977, which Mayor Carter was involved with are:

1971 - DAVAC organized.

1972 - 1st Annual Village Fair held 12/02 at 1st Presbyterian Church (held for many years into 1980s)

1973 - Wastewater Treatment Plant opens on lower Van Buren St.

1974 - American LaFrance fire truck "Big Red" purchased for A. D. Hose Co. #1. replacing 1952 Seagrave fire truck.

1974 - A. D. Hose Co. #1 & J. P. Spofford Hose Co. #2 merger.

1974 - "Herkimer Line" newspaper begins publishing November 13th.

1974 - Daniel Green Co. factory complex placed on National Register of Historic Places September 17.

1974 - Village accepts lot at corner of N. Main St. & Elm St. (site of future Helterline Park)

1975 - Village takes ownership of 2.295 mile section of abandoned railroad right-of-way located within village.

1976 - Village purchases 1946 American LaFrance aerial ladder truck from Utica at auction for $2,200.

1976 - Dolgeville Bicentennial Festival Week celebrations in July.

1976 - Helterline Park dedicated during Dolgeville Bicentennial Festival Week.

1976 - Dolgeville-Manheim Historical Society established.

1977 - Village gives Telepromter of Mohawk Valley, Inc. cable TV franchise.  System run by Spectrum today.

As we reflect upon this wonderful life lived, Lois says, “There hasn’t been a time when we were out and about in the Mohawk Valley that at least one person would not see him and say ‘Hello, Mr. Mayor!”

He is survived by his wife of 34 years Lois, his son, David Michael Carter and his fiancée Rosana Holden of Sandusky, Ohio, his step-son Scott D. Ashe of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a son-in-law, Ethan Beyer, of Rotterdam Junction, NY and grandchildren, Jacob Carter Beyer, Daniel Stone Beyer, and Nicholas Ashe Beyer, sisters-in-law, Linda Johnson and her husband Tim of Stratford, and Mary Stalnaker Mosher of Utica, brothers-in-law, Mark Stalnaker and wife Linda of Dolgeville, Robert Stalnaker and wife Lynn of Stratford, and Jeff Stalnaker and wife Sue of Virginia and several very special nieces, nephews, cousins and many beloved friends. And, from Bud’s first marriage, two nieces that were so very special to him, Louise Pietrandrea Wiernicki of Herkimer and Margaret Pietrandrea Myers of Rochester.

He was predeceased by his step-son, John J. Ashe, his step-daughter Barbara Ashe Beyer, and a lifelong friend and brother Paul Mastracco, who Bud knew since childhood and carried a lifelong bond of love with.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 3:00 PM at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls, NY with Rev. Betsy Jay, Chaplain at Bassett Healthcare officiating and a US Army Honor Guard. Interment will be at the family’s convenience in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dolgeville. Calling hours at the funeral home are on Sunday, prior to the service from 12 NOON until 3:00 PM. The Dolgeville Masonic Ritual will be conducted at 2:30 PM.

It is the wish of the family that donations in memory of Harry J. Carter, Jr. be considered to Hospice of Otsego County, a special fund that will be established for the education of his grandchildren, or a charity of choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lois is grateful toward the incredible staff at Bassett Healthcare as well as the angels of Hospice.

Arrangements are with Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 823-2424. An online memorial page has been established at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.