Obituary of Harold Elem

Harold T. Elem Jr. (aka Big E) of Pine Plains, NY departed from this life at age 88 on July 3, 2023, at Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his family. The beloved father, grandfather and friend was born July 20, 1934, in Amenia, NY to the late Harold T. Elem Sr. and Faybelle (Cornelius) Elem; the only son of their eight children. He was a quiet, kind, sensitive soul which can be attributed to growing up with seven sisters. Harold was the greatest of storytellers, from his stories of being the first “black” cowboy in New York, to stories of his days on the farm. To know him was to love him.

Harold worked as a cook at Wassaic State School and a security guard at Bard College, but most of his days were spent working on farms. He was passionate about animals, especially horses. He volunteered as an Eagle Scout and Cub Scout leader, and assisted at local food pantries in Poughkeepsie, NY. Harold was well known for always lending a helping hand.

Harold married Doris Mae Powers (deceased 1986) on February 24, 1953. They enjoyed living the
country life and raised 11 children doing so. Much of his free time was spent with his two favorite horses Sputnik and Honey. Later in life he found comfort in the companionship of his dogs Queenie, Snickers and Dog. He was a true friend to all animals.   

He was met at the gates by his wife Doris, his children (Harold T. Elem III aka Jr., Sharon Elem, Alice Elem, Linda Elem and Carolyn Elem), grandchildren (Yolanda Elem aka “Yogi” and LaToya Elem aka “Toot-Toot”) and his sisters (Francena Elem, Ella Elem, Emma Hogan, Alice Elem, Faybelle Johnson, Evelyn Bowman & Helen Hill), who were called home before him. 

Survivors include his sons Carl Elem Sr. (Lisa) of Earlton, NY and Silas Elem (Linda) of Pine Plains, NY, and his daughters Darlene Jackson of Poughkeepsie, NY, Evelyn Elem of Middletown, CT, Doris Elem of Cookeville, TN and Mary Elem of Riverview, FL.

His memory lives on through his grandchildren Taketia, Edward aka “Eddie Boo” and Shawn Jackson, Andre’ Dancy and QuaSheena Elem, Qualnisha aka “Moe Moe” Elem, Nika and Benjamin Flood, Vera Kennedy, Carl, Ben and Charlie Hart, Jennifer, Jason and Amy Millius, Ryan, Brian and Tamara Elem, Marquita Elem, Carl and Katie Elem, Amanda Abou-eid, Thomas Elem and Michael Minnehan, as well as
numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He will be sadly missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts. We would love for you to come celebrate his life on Saturday July 15, 2023 from 10am - 11am at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home,

371 Hooker Ave. in Poughkeepsie, NY. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00am.

In memory of Harold, it is asked that you live every day as your last and write your own story ‘til your last ride Cowboy.