Obituary of Harry C. Stants, III

Harry C Stants III 

We are sad to announce the passing of Harry Stants III (Gus) of Placida FL. He died at age 75 on October 30th.  His battle with cancer took place over a two-month period where he was in and out of the hospital and endured Hurricane Ian by sheltering in a closet with his wife, Elaine, dog, Red Buttons, and two close friends while 3” of water rose from the floor. He died as he lived life, at his own pace and with enough time for close family to visit and share their love.  Gus is survived by his wife Elaine, son, Harry Stants IV (H), daughter in law, Kristen Stants, and their children Steven and Sadie Stants, daughter, Anne Bauer and son in law, Amby Bauer and their children Amberson, Lily and Lucas Bauer.

Gus grew up in Schenectady, NY, the son of Harry & Vicky Stants, brother of Barbara Miller, Gayle Hendrix and Jim Stants.  He attended high school at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana.  After graduation from high school, Gus attended Syracuse University.  At Syracuse he met the love of his life, Elaine Zaist, and they got married in 1970.  Gus and Elaine started and raised their family in Rexford, NY where they lived for almost 50 years.  They were truly best friends and enjoyed just spending time together.  

Gus’s long and successful career was in the family business, Stants Combustion, a commercial heating and plumbing business.  He started as an apprentice at age 13 and became a member of the Local 7 Union several years later.  He became President of Stants Combustion in the 80’s and was passionate about being a trustworthy and dependable leader while also providing exceptional service to his customers.  As a result, many customers where very loyal to Gus and the company and even became close friends. In the 90’s he was elected to be the President of the Northeastern Sub-Contractors Association (NESCA). 

Gus had many hobbies throughout his life.  Since childhood, Gus enjoyed going to a family cottage on Cossayuna Lake in NY during summer to spend time with friends and family.  He loved sailing with close friends and went on many sailing trips on Lake Michigan and the British Virgin Islands.  In the 1990’s, Gus and Elaine bought a motor home and spent time traveling in the RV around the United States.  He enjoyed camping and hiking in the Adirondacks and exploring the many lakes and mountains.  In the early 90’s, Gus and Elaine joined the Schenectady Curling Club where they became active members, learned to love the sport and developed very close friendships.

Gus was a loving husband and incredibly supportive father.  He was also a proud grandfather to five grandchildren.  He took great delight in being right in the middle of all their activities and would often take them boating and be a willing participant in crazy family videos. 

In retirement he and Elaine moved to Placida Florida where they have many wonderful friends. They traveled to Costa Rica and Europe and met for regular social gatherings locally with their dear friends.  During retirement, Gus also worked and golfed at The Cove golf course in Port Charlotte.  Gus was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be missed by so many.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church.

The family requests if you desire to make a memorial contribution in Gus's memory to send to Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org (select DONATE NOW at the top right of the home page) or to Real Dog Rescue - https://www.realdogrescue.org