David W. "Butch" Harrison Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

David W. Harrison, Sr. “Butch” of Ghent, N.Y., 74 died on December 20th, 2014 surrounded by his wife June L. “ Judy” Harrison (McComb) of 56 years and family. Butch was born in Philmont, NY on July 26th, 1940 to the late William J Harrison and Jeanette Harrison (Nash). He was a lettered athlete and graduated from Ockawamick High School in 1958. Upon graduating he joined the US Army and served with the Army Security Agency. In 1965 he became a member of the New York State Police serving 24 years until his retirement as an Investigator with the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the Claverack barracks. In 1989 he was hired by then District Attorney Paul Czajka as Chief Investigator with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office. He left the District Attorney’s Office after eleven years and in 2002 began his first term as Ghent Town Judge, a position he held until his death. Over his forty plus years of law enforcement service he was involved in many major crime investigations, received several commendations and completed numerous training courses including certification as a Fire Investigator and Instructor. Butch was a 52 year member of the Spencertown Fire Company, social member of the Ghent and Chatham Fire Departments, member and past Commander of American Legion Post #42 Chatham, member of the Ghent Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ghent Rod & Gun Club, NYS and Columbia County Magistrates Association and Ghent Reformed Church. He is survived by his sons David Harrison, Jr. (Kelly) and Michael Harrison of Spencertown, NY and daughters Maria Ostrander (Larry) of Philmont and Suzette Booy (Chris) of Ghent. Also his sister Dianne Cox (David) of Corinth, NY, brother’s Donald Harrison (Nancy) of Greenfield Ctr, NY, William Harrison (Janet) of Schenectady, NY, Robert Harrison of Cleveland, Ohio and his Shih Tzu driving companion Maggie. He was also survived by his grandchildren Daniel, Lee and Adam Harrison, Sarah Harrison, Ashley, Brian and Colleen Ostrander and Amanda and Emilee Booy. He had many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Rudy Harrison and sister Geri Clay (Harrison). Calling hours will be on Friday December 26th from 4PM to 8PM at the Sacco-McDonald -Valenti Funeral Home 700 Town Hall Drive, Hudson, NY. Columbia County Magistrates Assoc. will begin visiting hours at 4:00pm. American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5933 will gather at 6:00PM The funeral will be held on Saturday December 27th, 11:00AM at the Ghent Reformed Church 1039 Co Rte 22 West Ghent. Interment will be at the Spencertown Cemetery, Co Rte 7 Spencertown, NY . In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Butch may make contributions to the Spencertown Fire Company PO Box 1 Spencertown, NY 12165 and/or the Ghent Reformed Church 1039 Co Rte 22 Ghent, NY 12075.

David W. "Butch" Harrison Sr.

July 26, 1940 - December 20, 2014