Harold J. Exware, 90, Parishville

PARISHVILLE- Harold J. Exware, 90, of 601 State Highway 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Harold was born on March 15, 1934, in Amsterdam, NY, son of the late David and Hazel (St. Amour) Exware.  He attended schools in Tupper Lake until he went to work at the age of 16.  On June 25, 1955, he married Dorothy Jock, with whom he was blessed with five children.  Dorothy predeceased him on January 25, 2006.  He then married Donna Pelno Benware on July 25, 2008 at the family home with his son-in-law Scott Daby officiating.

He was a strong man of faith, and a long-time member of the New Hope Community Church in Potsdam.  Over the years, Harold belonged to various hunting clubs and was also a member of the Parishville 4-Wheeler Club.  Harold worked at many jobs and mills, but most notably the Potsdam Paper Mill, retiring in 1992 as a Shift Foreman.  An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed his time in the woods and camping.  He was a fisherman, a hunter and a crack shot; he never missed.  Most of all he loved spending time with his family, children and grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his wife Donna; his five children Jody (Scott) Daby, Julie (Ward) Remington, David Exware, Daryl (Patty) Exware and Jill (Bob) Ludlam; 23 grandchildren; and 34 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters Mary Jane Colvin, Alice LaFlamme and Brenda Hoffman; and his brothers Donald, Ronald and Fred Exware; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents David and Hazel, and wife Dorothy, Harold was also predeceased by his sisters Thelma Santerre, Janet Baker, Rita Corrow, Patricia Wellspeak, and Cecile Lavoie; and his brothers Herman, Eugene, Roger and Francis Exware.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Hope Community Church on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Aaron Reardon officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Parishville.

Memorial donations may be made in Harold’s memory to the New Hope Community Church.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.