Harold "Gink" DeRycke, 87, of Clay, NY passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023. Harold was born August 17, 1935 in North Syracuse, NY, to Charles DeRycke, Sr. and Grace (Murphy) DeRycke. At age 9, Harold's family moved to Clay where he was a farmer from early on. He was expected to do haying with his brothers at his grandparents' Murphy and DeRycke Farms. Harold graduated from North Syracuse High School in 1953 and joined the 138th Air National Guard (now the 174th) for 7 years and left as a Staff Sargent. Harold married his high school sweetheart Earleen Mae (Loura) DeRycke on September 29, 1956, celebrating 66 years of marriage in 2022. Harold followed in the family trade; he owned his own business, Harold DeRycke Hardwood Floors, where he installed and refinished hardwood floors. He became very well known in the CNY area because of his excellent work and his work ethic. Harold received his pilot's license and he owned several aircraft. He enjoyed flying around Central New York. Harold owned a camp at Moon Beach in Sterling, NY and he enjoyed swimming and fishing in Lake Ontario with his family. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son, Eugene; son-in-law, John Chomyszak; grandson, Keith Smith; brothers, Robert and Charles (Bud) DeRycke; sister, Margaret Nesbitt and nephew, Douglas DeRycke. Harold is survived by his wife, Earleen; children, Loretta Chomyszak, Vincent (Roseann) DeRycke and Colleen (Edward) Smith; brother, Richard (Dennis) DeRycke of Maryland; sisters, Betty Dulaney of New Jersey and Eileen DeRycke of Phoenix, NY; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. Private services will take place in the Spring in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, NY. Contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 413 Church Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212. Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home guestbook to express your condolences to Harold's family.

Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Feb. 8 to Feb. 12, 2023.