Harvey G. Deere

NISKAYUNA – It is with deep sadness that the family of Harvey G. Deere, 85, of Niskayuna, NY, announces his passing on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, NY.  Harvey was born June 16, 1932 in Albany, NY and he was the son of the late William H. Deere and Hazel (Roe) Deere.  He was employed by Western Electric, New York Telephone Co., and AT&T, retiring as upstate operations manager.  He then co-founded Qualtech, Inc., and served as president of the firm for several years.  Harvey was a dedicated golfer, and thoroughly enjoyed the game.  He also was a self-taught television and computer repairman.  He was a member of The First Church in Albany for many years, and served there as a deacon, an elder, and as a member of the consistory.  Harvey and his wife, Jean, enjoyed trips to the Metropolitan Opera with the Siena College Opera Club and many Philadelphia Orchestra concerts at SPAC.

Harvey is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Jean M. Sayers Deere; his daughters Lynne Blanchard (Philip) of Pittsfield, MA, Terry Riley (Michael) of Colonie, and Dana Gatz (Gregory) of Hillsborough, NC; his brother Jesse Deere of Lake Katrine, NY; his sister Mary Deere of Colonie; his grandchildren Jason Hall (Mary Beth) and Jessica Frye (Josh); his great grandchildren Camryn and Jordyn Hall; and by many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his siblings Gladys Collins, William Deere, Catherine Coyle, Florence Potter, Rosemary Walsh, Thomas Deere, and Gwendolyn Walter.

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Friday, December 15^th, at 12:00 p.m.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  Entombment will follow in Memory Gardens, Colonie.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.