Harry W. Dayton Sr. of Ridgefield, CT and Weston, VT actively enjoyed 94 years, 9 months of good health and passed away peacefully on March 15 at the age of 95.
Harry learned an appreciation for art from his mother. He returned to it with a passion after retirement and his paintings won awards in Vermont, New York, Massachusetts and California. Harry was also an art mentor to many and a fixture at the art classes at Ridgefield’s Founders Hall.
Harry grew up of very modest means on eastern Long Island. He served in the US Army during the Korean War, where he supervised an ammunition depot and was called upon to collect and disarm un-exploded ordnance. After his service he helped found a Long Island business that created specialized packaging for the technology, aerospace and defense industries. His work supported some interesting projects, including the Lunar Module and F-14 Tomcat fighter jet.
Harry was known as a man of action. He loved racing cars and sailboats, riding motorcycles, water skiing and scuba diving. Harry began alpine skiing in the late 1950’s, moved to Vermont in retirement and glided down the trails with style until age 84.
Harry was a man of very strong faith and loved his country and his family. He is preceded by his wife of 34 years Mary (Kane) and is survived by his son Harry Jr and daughter-in-law Kate of Ridgefield, granddaughter Jessica Dayton Mendez and grandson-in-law Damon of San Carlos, CA, grandson James Dayton and granddaughter-in-law Nicole of Ridgefield - and three very awesome great-grandchildren, Cole, Lexi and Hudson!
A Celebration of Harry’s Life will be held at Ridgefield Baptist Church on Saturday, April 15 at 11 AM. Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
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