Harry "Skip" Rose

SAUGERTIES…..Harry E. Rose Jr., loved and known by many as “Skip” passed from this life on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Forever a cherished son, brother and beloved husband, father and grandfather, Skip was heralded into this world on Thursday, January 1, 1959 in Kingston, NY. The proud son of Harry and Katherine Rose, Skip spent his childhood in Saugerties, New York and graduated from Saugerties High School, where he made many lifelong friends.

With his undying love of family and friends, and a free-spirited nature, Skip’s adventures always held him close to home and those he loved. He worked as a truck driver, carpenter, plumber and owned “Skip’s Cycle Center” a Motorcycle Repair shop before earning his license as a Home and Asbestos Inspector and Mold Assessor establishing Harmony House & Home Inspections. A true master of trades and always willing to lend a hand, Skip was always a call away to answer questions on how to do or fix things. If in need of help, he was there. Many may have received their first tattoo at the Blue Dragon Tattoo, shot a few games of darts with Skip from the Saugerties Dart League, or benefited from his sage advice and wisdom. You could count on finding out exactly what “It’s like…” through Skip’s no-nonsense, common-sense wisdom and words.

With the heart of a true patriot, Skip worked his way up from Sergeant at Arms to First Vice Commander to Commander, Sons of American Legion Post 1748 and was a member of the American Legion Riders Chapter 1298 for the past 15-years. His devotion to honoring those before him and the lessons and skills they taught are evident in every aspect of his life. Skip enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and trapping, skills he learned from his Father and Uncles.  He played guitar and worked on old cars and bikes preserving pieces of history. In keeping with traditional home skills, Skip enjoyed gardening and beekeeping, jarring and preserving tomato sauces and jellies, and harvesting honey. His love of chicken and dumplings, as only Aunt Tiny could make it, split pea soup and homemade sauces further provide credence to his love of tradition, food and family.       

Predeceased in life by his parents, Harry and Katherine Rose, sister, Nancy (Rose) Wager, and his faithful four-legged companion, Dixie, Skip’s legacy will remain present in those he loved and adored. Carrying on his legacy are his wife, Jacqueline (Anderson) Rose, daughter Heidi (Rose) Martino, her husband Josh and grandchildren, Caleb, Madison, Gavino, Lexie and Tomi Rae, stepchildren Albert, Scott and Amy Ackerman and Donald Schmidt.  Sisters, Debbie Rose and Virginia Proper, brothers, Arnold and George Petersen and several beloved nieces and nephews, along with his furry four-legged kids Ted and Taylor. Skip’s legacy is in the undeniable love he felt and shared with each and every one of you, for you are truly his life’s greatest blessings and treasures. Skip would remind each of us, It's like… “At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought but what we built; not what we got but what we shared; not our competence but our character; and not our success but our significance.” His challenge to each of us is to live a life that matters. Live a life of love.

His Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Friday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. of John and Lafayette Sts., Saugerties.  Friends will be received on Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM.  In honoring one of Skip’s passions, the family asks that donations be made to the Ulster County SPCA.  Expressions of condolence may be shared with Skip’s Family on his Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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