Harold F. Bishop

Harold F. “Hawk” Bishop Jr., 85, of DeKalb Junction, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Jessica and Larry, surrounded by his loving family.

Born December 29, 1940, Harold was a man built from North Country iron, pure grit, and an unshakable heart. A Lifetime resident and legend of St. Lawrence County, Harold served as the very soul of DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department for 67 continuous years. Wearing Badge #7, he joined in 1959 before the station was built or proper gear was available, running to the fire hall on foot every time the whistle sounded. His decades of selfless service through 14 U.S. Presidents earned him historic state-level honors, including a personal commendation from a State Senator.

Known for his toughness, Harold survived a 50 foot fall off scaffolding in his youth where he landed on his head and broke his neck, among other legendary feats, never letting anything break his spirit. He was quite the character, with a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor that shone even brighter around the people who knew how to pry it out of him, always quick with a joke or affectionately teasing his daughter as “Dr. Jessie”. A dedicated construction worked and avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting deer down in the Southern Tier with his best friend, Gary, ice fishing, snowmobiling to Pyrites, taking his kids fishing on quiet summer mornings, and enjoying small town diner breakfasts, Friday nights at the AMVETS, Bingo and casino trips.

Harold married the love of his life Bonnie Lou McCallops in 1965 and remained devotedly by her side until her passing on October 23, 2014. He now returns to his final resting spot to lie right next to her.

One of 14 children born to Harold Sr. and Isabella (Jayson) Bishop, he is survived by sisters, Regina “Peggy” Thompson, Zelda Sanford, Brenda Thompson and Debra Miller. He was predeceased by eight siblings, Dwight, Luther, Bruce, Donald, Rodney, Garnet and Crystal Bishop and Valery Bishop-Forbes.

Harold raised his eldest step-son, Gary, as his own from day one and loved his children deeply. He is survived by children, Gary, Jessica (Larry Brown), Sarah Amyot, Lisa Fetcie, Amy (Bill McMullen), Jaime (Gary Reasor), Cindy (Tommy Pisa) and Harold (Alicia) Bishop. A beloved daughter Jane and sons-in-law, Steven Fetcie and Alex Amyot predecease hm. Harold held a deeply special bon with his son-in-law, Larry, who was like a son to him. In his final nine months, Harold made his home with Jessica and Larry, surrounded by their constant care, devotion and love.

He leaves behind a proud legacy through his family, his close bond with Larry, his 31 grandchildren, Hunter, Dakota, Lawrence, Diamond, Mindy, Angela, Kianna, Heather, Tanisha, Jonathan, Katie, Kyle, Macy, Duncan, Xavier, Haley, Jamal, Jade, Braden, Skyler, Jordan, Logan, Grayson, Mikey, Liliana, Dominic, Aubrey, Kayleigh, Jaxon, Tristan and Bonnie Lou.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. A graveside service will follow in the East DeKalb Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved Bonnie Lou.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department, 4323 US Highway 11; DeKalb Junction, New York 13630.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Harold F. “Hawk” Bishop are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.