Henry Bolten

Henry Bolten of Roscoe, NY, a retired machinist for IBM, Endicott, NY and a long time area resident of Binghamton, NY died Monday, June 27, 2011 at the Roscoe Regional Rehab and Residential Health Care Facility, Roscoe, NY. He was 85.

The son of the late John and Gesine Plate Bolten, he was born August 3, 1925 in Germany.

Henry came to the United States thru Ellis Island in 1927 and grew up in New York City; he proudly served in the U.S. Army in WWII; he retired from IBM as a machinist in 1987 and he was a professional barber for seven years; he loved sailing and fishing; he was a resident of the Roscoe Regional Rehabilitation and Residential Health Care Facility for the last five years. Henry was known as "Harmonica Hank"; he was a gospel singer who visited nursing homes, prisons, churches, and senior citizen centers to share his love for the Lord. He played his harmonicas and sang with his beautiful voice, it was uplifting and encouraging to everyone he met.

Survivors include his daughter Lynda Engle of Roscoe, NY; his son, Dan Bolten of Huntington Beach, CA; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and five great great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Florence Bolton.

Private graveside services will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in White Store, NY.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Horton Brook Free Methodist Church 110 Fuller Hill Road, Roscoe, NY 12776.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe, NY. 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200. www.Harris-FH.com