Claude C. Earley

Claude C. Earley

Sangerfield-Claude Clayton Earley, 81, departed this life, to his heavenly home, with the love and support of his family, on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.

Claude was born on May 9, 1941, in Sangerfield, the son of the late Howard Earley and Dorothy Hinman Earley.   He was raised in Sangerfield and was a graduate of Waterville Central School. Claude went on to further his education and was a graduate of Morrisville Technical and Agricultural College.  Following college he proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Policeman, during the Vietnam War.  He had worked 40 years in the highway construction trades for Lancaster Development Companies of Cobleskill.  He later started Earley’s Farm and Hardware Supply Store in Madison, along with his son Cary.  Claude was predeceased by his first wife, Linda Hughes Earley in 1998.  On August 24, 2002, he married Eloise Mason Hughes.  Claude always had a joyous deposition and always found excitement in his life.   He enjoyed the thrill of being an accomplished snowmobile racer, with plenty of racing trophies as proof.  Claude loved to golf with family and friends.  Claude and Eloise traveled as snow birds for several years to TGO, Florida, where they made many special memories and numerous special friends.  He had been a former member of the Sanger Lodge #129 F.& A. M. and a member of the VFW.   He loved every moment that he could spend on the property he developed into his home, “ Earley’s Green Acre Park.” The park is a beautiful tranquil place with its picturesque setting and a habitat for many wild animals. Claude shared his deep love and devotion to his “blend family” sharing his love and wisdom to all his children.   He truly was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and a loyal friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of  20 years, Eloise; his children Cary J. Earley and his daughter Claudia Hynes-Shelley ; his sister Joan McNamara; his step-children Bernard: (Anna) Hughes, Ronald (Kim) Hughes, and Brian Hughes; his grandchildren Courtney Lyon, Tiffany Houseman, and Alex Earley, Montana Hynes, and Payton Hynes; his great grandchildren Lenora Finnley and Slone Houseman; several step-grandchildren: Jenna, Jillian, Riley, Amy, Bryce, Carson, Olivia, and Alexa; his sister-in-law Connie (Alan) Diehl; his brothers-in-law: Harley (Brenda) Mason, Ronald (Sue) Mason, Roger (Debbie) Mason, and Robert (LuAnn) Mason; his nephews Scott (Jan) McNamara, Sean (Karen) McNamara, and his niece Cami (Dan) Greene.  Claude also leaves behind many extended relatives and close friends. Claude will be deeply missed by his fur baby,  “Bandit Boy.”

Claude was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Dorothy, and his beloved first wife, Linda.

All are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 3-6 PM at the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. A funeral service with Military Honors will be conducted at the conclusion of calling hours.  Interment services will be private.  There will be a celebration of Claude’s life to be held on Saturday, October 15, from 2-6 Pm at the Solsville Hotel. Claude and his family are under the personal care of Jeffrey T. Paul, Director of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.  To offer a condolence, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net

In memory of Claude and in lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Sangerfield Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 83, Sangerfield, New York 13455.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the celebration of life.

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