Harold J. St. Gelais, Jr.

Harold J. St. Gelais, Jr.

COHOES - Harold J. St. Gelais, Jr., 76, affectionately known by many as “Hal,” “Satch,” and “Mojo,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Hal was the son of the late Harold and Rose St. Gelais and the devoted husband of Mary “Sue” Elizabeth St. Gelais, with whom he shared more than 54 years of marriage.

A longtime member of Holy Trinity Parish, Hal had a lifelong passion for automobiles. In his younger years, he owned and operated his own automotive service and repair shop, putting his skill, knowledge, and love of working on cars to good use. He later spent many years working as an auto body technician. For several years, his son Chris worked alongside him as an auto technician, giving father and son the opportunity to share not only their work, but Hal’s knowledge and experience with cars.

Hal’s love for cars extended far beyond his work. He was a true MOPAR man and took great pride in helping his son, Tim, restore a classic MOPAR. It was a project they shared together and one Hal was especially proud of.

Some of Hal’s fondest memories were made when his children were young, spending time together at the family camp on Sacandaga Lake. He loved getting away to the lake and enjoying those days with his family. The time spent at camp became a special part of his children’s childhood and created memories they would carry with them for years to come.

Hal was also an avid deer hunter and spent many years hunting alongside his brother, Michael. Their time together in the woods was about more than the hunt itself-it was a tradition between brothers and another of the many experiences they were fortunate to share throughout the years.

Hal was a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He could often be found sitting on his porch with a cold beer, spending time with his good friend Andy, and watching his beloved New York Yankees play. He was also a loyal Denver Broncos fan and enjoyed cheering them on through the years.

NASCAR was another longtime passion. For many years, Rusty Wallace was Hal’s favorite driver, and anyone who watched a race with him knew there was never any question about who he was rooting for. His late brother-in-law, Ronnie, shared his enthusiasm for NASCAR, and the two enjoyed following the races together. Those shared race days and conversations became memories Hal treasured.

Bowling was also a big part of Hal’s life. He spent many years bowling in a league, an interest he was fortunate to share with both of his sons. Chris was a member of the league alongside his father, and Tim also bowled in the same league for many years. It became another special connection between Hal and his sons and a source of many good times and memories together.

Hal was also a longtime member of the Moose Club, where he enjoyed the friendships, camaraderie, and good times that came with being part of the club.

Those who knew Hal will undoubtedly remember his sense of humor and his famously careful ways with a dollar. He was playfully known by many as a “penny pincher,” a reputation that became an endearing part of his personality and provided his family and friends with plenty of stories and laughs over the years.

Hal was fortunate to be surrounded by the love and devotion of his family throughout his life. His daughter Jessica held a particularly special role in his care, always being there for her father and remaining steadfastly devoted to him, especially throughout his illness. Her love, presence, and dedication brought Hal comfort and support when he needed it most and will forever be a meaningful part of the love that surrounded him.

In addition to his parents, Hal was predeceased by his sisters, Bernice and Dorothy, his brother-in-law Ronnie, and his faithful dog, Max.

Hal is survived by his loving wife, Mary “Sue”; his children, Christopher (Deanne), Timothy (Mehgan), and Jessica St. Gelais; his grandchildren, Madison Shutts (Jordan), Hailey St. Gelais (Shane), Christopher St. Gelais, and Jillian Mitchel (Jammie); his great-grandchildren, Alison Allday and Hudson Shutts; his sisters, Roseann Alix and Joanne (Patrick) Flynn; his brother, Michael (Kathy); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford, New York.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Community Hospice for the care, kindness, and compassion they showed Hal and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Hal’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York.

Whether you knew him as Hal, Satch, or Mojo, he was truly one of a kind. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, the stories and memories he created, and the unmistakable personality that made him who he was. Most of all, he will be remembered by the family and friends whose lives were made better simply by having him in them. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

To share a memory of Harold or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.