Harry Garson died at the age of 91, at his home in Newton, Mass., on Jan 7, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Harry moved with his wife, Gladys, to Newton to be closer to his son, Steve, after living in the New Haven area for 86 years. During World War II, he was stationed in Dakk, India, where he worked as a sergeant, in charge of entertainment and morale of the troops on his army base. Harry was a Justice of the Peace in Woodbridge, and took pride in conducting weddings and making them memorable.  He was a past member of Congregation B’nai Jacob, and co-founder of the Jewish Historical Society of New Haven. Harry helped initiate 40 units of elderly housing, sponsored by B’nai Brith, was a volunteer for Tower One Senior Housing, Boy Scout Troup 41, and a reader in the New Haven public schools. He was a member of the Woodbridge Democratic Town Committee, and served as Chairman of the B.O.W. Softball League. As part of Harry’s sense of history, he spearheaded a project to preserve the Edgerton Estate bridge in Hamden, by getting tradespeople and suppliers to donate all supplies and labor to reconstruct this historic bridge. He was active in the preservation of the New Haven city hall to prevent its destruction after the construction of its replacement building. Harry loved helping others. He extended himself in friendship to acquaintances, friends, and family. He frequently wrote letters to the editor about political and social issues. He was a great storyteller, with great stories to tell. Harry was predeceased by his son, Dan Garson of Toronto, Canada, and is survived by his loving, wife, Gladys (Smith); son, Steven Garson and wife Barbara, of Newton, Mass.; daughter, Linda (Garson) Smith and husband, David L. Smith of Belfast, Me.; grandchildren David and Sarah Garson of Newton, and Andrew Smith of Belfast, Me. Donations in Harry’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. Arrangements by Brezniak-Rodman Chapel , West Newton, Mass.