Obituary of Harry Edward Nissen

Harry Edward Nissen, "Mr. Niss," 67, of Hobart, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in the arms of his family. He was born to Rae C. Rubtchinsky and Henry Nissen on August 23, 1947, in Elmot. He graduated from Sewanhaka High School in 1965 and received his Master's Degree from SUNY Oswego in 1974. He married his childhood sweetheart, Paula (Throm) Nissen, on July 2, 1971, and resided in Hobart since 1979. Harry is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kira and Gary LiCalzi; two grandchildren, Ellis, 5, and Adrian, 3, of Jefferson: sister, Martha Emoto; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Nils, in 2007, and a sister, Astrid Earle, in 1996. Harry served in Vietnam as an Infantryman, attaining the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge. Harry was a tech-ed teacher and coach at South Kortright Central School for 27 years. In 2006, he coached the SKCS Lady Rams to a Class D Championship. That same year he was honored to receive both the New York State and The Daily Star Coach of the Year Awards. In 2009, he was inducted into Delaware League and Section IV Hall of Fame. Upon retirement in 2006, Harry served on the Town of Stamford Comprehensive Planning Committee and Cornell Cooperative Extension Board. Harry always served his family, friends and community well. Harry was an inspiration to all who knew him. "Mr.Niss" will always be remembered for his humor, courage, kindness, patience and eternal optimism. He was, and remains, a remarkable example of a life lived well. Harry died from complications arising from a successful stem-cell transplant for leukemia. The family thanks the dedicated staff at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown and Roswell Cancer Institute, Buffalo, with special thanks to Dr. Eric Bravin and Dr. Philip McCarthy respectively, Their efforts gave Harry six additional years of life to be with family, friends and his beloved grandsons. To honor Harry, the family requests that all who are able to register with www.bethematch.org to give someone the gift of life. Donations in Harry's name may be made to the Bassett Cancer Institute, One Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. A celebration of life service will be scheduled at a later date. Those who wish to share condolences or a special memory may do so online at www.macarthurfh.com. Funeral arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart.