HUNTERSLAND — Harold “Harry” Norman Guest III , who had a career as a corrections officer, was an avid outdoorsman and dedicated family man.

He died peacefully at his Huntersland home on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 66.

A lifelong resident of Huntersland, he was born on May 24, 1959, at Cobleskill Hospital, the son of Harold and Arline (née Cater) Guest.

“Harold graduated from Middleburgh Central School and, while Harold dreamed of becoming a professional football player, he graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with a degree in criminal justice,” his family wrote in a tribute. “After college, he entered the workforce through New York State Corrections where he worked for over 30 years before retiring.

“After retiring, Harold joined the team at Hannaford where he enjoyed interacting with community members daily.

“Harold was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, camping, biking, skiing, and most of all, he loved cutting firewood and driving his tractor.  He spent most of his early years playing football, hunting, and trapping.

“He also worked on several local farms, milking cows and doing hay, where he developed his incredible work ethic. Harold volunteered for many years as a young man as a member of the Huntersland Volunteer Fire Department.

“Harold fell in love with his best friend at the age of 15 when she moved in up the road and he would often get caught sneaking up to her house on his bike after school. He married his love, Linda (née Nebauer) Guest, on June 2, 1979 and settled down in Huntersland to begin a family.

“Always a dedicated family man, Harold put family first, helping to raise his three daughters who adore him. Family traditions were important in Harold and Linda’s family and one of the greatest joys was the family camping trips to Cape Cod that began as a family of five and continued for over 30 years to become a family of 15 camping together. Harold’s favorite parts were enjoying the lobster rolls and dirt bombs, boogie boarding with the kids, and riding bikes on the rail trail.

“Harold was extremely hard working throughout his entire life and, after finally leaving the working world, he became a full-time ‘Poppa,’ helping to care for his seven grandchildren and teaching them all he could. Harold attended every concert, ball game, horse show, and special event for his daughters and grandchildren that he possibly could.

“Harold will be remembered for his commitment to his family, willingness to help anyone in need, and incredible work ethic. Ever the giver of life advice, his wife and daughters will fondly remember him by one of his most famous quotes, ‘Can I give you a little advice?’”

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Harold Norman Guest III is survived by his wife of 46 years and best friend for life: Linda Guest, and by his three daughters and their husbands: Cheryl (Jack) Rechnitzer, Sara (Matthew) Miller, and Elena (Joseph) Swaha.

He will be loved forever by his grandchildren: Elijah and Kylie Rechnitzer; Caleb and Mason Miller; and Logan, Amelia, and Wyatt Swaha.

He will never be forgotten by his father, Harold N. Guest Jr.; his brothers and sisters, David (Andrea) Guest, Diana (Roger) Parent, Wally Guest, and Donald Guest; his sister-in-law, Laurie (John) Rotondaro; his brother-in-law, Mike Brandow; along with uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and many extended family.

His mother, Arline (née Cater) Guest, died before him, as did his sister, Karen (née Guest) Brandow; his parents-in-law, Evelyn (née Wieduwilt) Nebauer and Edmund Nebauer; his brother-in-law, Gary Nebauer; and his sister-in-law, Kristy Wilkins.

“To honor Harold’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date,” his family wrote. “As his last act of generosity, Harold chose to donate his body to research in the hopes that it may someday help others.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marathon for a Better Life, Post Office Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.