George W. Harder

George W. Harder 95, of Delmar, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Born in Albany on October 10, 1925 he was the son of the late Elizabeth Slavin, George W. Harder and stepfather John E. Burke. George attended Albany Academy, St. Lawrence University, and Albany Law School. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He served in the FBI for several years and then led a distinguished career as an attorney specializing in Labor and Civil law. He shared a love of politics with his father and often challenged the “Albany Democratic Machine.” He passionately forged an alliance with “The Brothers” in the fight for civil rights justice. He spent much of his life playing handball at the YMCA and Colonie Court Club and playing hockey. He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, always reminding them to “keep their eye on the ball!” He shared his love of the Adirondacks with us and created years of happy memories in Lake Placid and Lake George. George was predeceased by his beautiful wife Helen Harder and two of his brothers, John Harder and Robert Harder. He is survived by his brother Thomas E. Burke (MaryEllen) Survivors include his nine children; George T. Harder, Michael J. Harder (Jordan Thaler), Thomas A. Harder (Linda VanWie) James P. Harder (Susie Essman) Daniel C. Harder (Laurie), Christine M. Hall (Patrick), Catherine E. Agneta (Carlo), Lauren A. Kennedy (Thomas), Alesia Rolling (Robert). 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; Aryn (Mark, Ashtyn), Alesia/Chris (Emilia, Tylar), Aileen, Patrick, Kasey/Mike (Carmen, Lena), Michael/Bekkah (Atlas, Ezra), Shauna, Elizabeth, Andrew, Kyle/Jason (Aria), Julianna, Cynthia, Taylor, Ryan, Michael, Christopher, Brian, Kevin, and Avery. A special thank you to his sons/daughters-in-law and caregiver for their support and wonderful care. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Burial will be at Bethlehem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lake George Association to help preserve the beautiful lake loved by George and Helen throughout their lives. P.O. Box 408, Lake George NY 12845 or lakegeorgeassociation.org