Harold James Stout

Harold James Stout, age 82, of North Port, Florida, for the past 13 years, formerly of Ithaca, NY, died in Port Charlotte, Florida on October 22, 2011. Born in Ithaca, NY, he was the son of Raymond and Minnie Stout. Mr. Stout was the husband of Lois (nee Besemer) Stout. He was the Vice President of H.D. Besemer Rigging and Construction for over 40 years, until his retirement. He was a Life Member of Ithaca Lodge BPOE 636, Caroline Masonic Lodge 587, Magnetic Springs OES 557 of Slaterville Springs, NY, and Lifetime Member of Operating Engineers Union IUOE 545. He enjoyed hunting and golf. Also, he was a hockey booster at Cornel University, even hosting several players at his home as well as several other male Cornell students during their tenure at the university. Over the years, he opened his home to several girls through the Fresh Air Program. As a member of the American Wine Assn., he became very involved in the art of winemaking, taking many top honors in NY State competitions. He is survived by his wife Lois (nee Besemer) Stout; three daughters, Marcia (William) Macy of Atlanta, GA, Debbie (Eugene) Nestrick of Athens, PA, Denise (Ronald) Barauskas of Ft. McMurray, Alberta, Canada; six grandchildren, Michele and Michael McDaniel, Brent, Matthew and Megan Macy and Ryan Barauskas; three step-grandsons, David, Michael and Robert Nestrick; two great-granddaughters, Cailin and Regan McDaniel; four step great-grandchildren, Ryan, Jessica, Rachel and Evan Nestrick; a sister, Josephine Bachelor of Leesburg, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Raymond, Robert and Donald Stout and a sister, Pollyanna Geis. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in North Port. A memorial service will also be held in Ithaca, NY at a later date with burial at Pine Grove Cemetery in Ludlowville, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TideWell Hospice, Inc., Philanthropy Program, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34238 or to the Masonic Medical Research Laboratories, 2150 Bleaker St., Utica, NY 13501-1787. Farley Funeral Home in North Port is handling the arrangements. To send a condolence visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.