Obituary of P. Harold Hargraves

Phineas Harold Hargraves was born to Bert and Clara Davis Hargraves on November 30, 1926 in the Gulf district in North Cameron, NY. He died at home on Knight Settlement Road in Bath on July 8, 2014 surrounded by his loving wife and several children. Harold was predeceased by his brothers Warren and Wilford Hargraves, and his sister Anna Mae Tacka. He is survived by two sisters, Alberta Storm and Virginia Ames. In 1949, Harold married Pauline Obrochta with whom he had 13 children. His children were his greatest pride in his life. They are as follows: Cheryl Dowd (Todd Dildine), Patricia (Kenneth) Sherer, Thomas (Nancy) Hargraves, Joseph (Linda) Hargraves, Robert (Carlos Alvarez) Hargraves, Michael (Virginia) Hargraves, Linda Hargraves, Lynn Hargraves, Richard (Jan) Hargraves, Stella Smith, John (Kathy Carneal) Hargraves, Paul (Lisa) Hargraves, and Joyce Kulikowski. Harold is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. In 1965 Harold married Minnie Stopka Cobb who survives. Harold and Minnie had a daughter, Melissa (Marvin) Gokey. Harold was also predeceased by a step-son, Jim Cobb. Harold was a notorious carpenter and owned and operated the Hargraves & Sons Construction company for many years. He was very proud of his building accomplishments. He built or remodeled hundreds of homes locally and had a vast knowledge of local history and businesses. Harold will always be remembered for his quick wit, his Gatsby style hat as well as his silly smirk when he knew he had pulled one over on you. He always enjoyed telling a story from days gone by and knew several generations of local families. Calling hours for Harold will be at Fagan's Funeral Home in Bath on July 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service directly following. Burial will be in Nondaga Cemetery.