Charles Harrison

Charles Henry Harrison, 81, of Stillwater, NY, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on January 26th, 2026.

Born on December 25, 1944, in Saratoga Springs, NY, he was the son of the late Henry Charles Harrison and Edna Mae Carleton. A lifelong resident of the Saratoga area, Charles-known to most as "Chuck"-was deeply rooted in his community and its traditions.

After graduating from Saratoga High School, Chuck proudly served in the United States Coast Guard.

For many years, Chuck was the owner and operator of Charles H. Harrison Used Cars, a family-run business that he built with dedication and hard work. Chuck wholesaled and sold cars all over the county and cultivated many relationships. He was well respected in the car business and was known for his honesty and integrity. He was especially proud to work alongside his son and grandsons, whose support meant the world to him.

Chuck's true passion, however, was harness horse racing. He dedicated much of his life to the sport at and around Saratoga Harness Track, where he was a familiar and respected presence. Working closely with his longtime trainer and friend, Scott Mongeon, the two men had more than the average owner and trainer relationship, they were more like father and son. They were family. The two enjoyed remarkable success, earning numerous Horse of the Year and Trotter of the Year honors. Among his most notable horses were Future Falcon N and By the Book, achievements he took great pride in and loved talking about with fellow horsemen and friends. Mr. Harrison donated in 2017 a retire harness horse "Most fun Yet" who is now named Apollo to the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Apollo retired in 2025. This link gives the whole story of Apollo. https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/retired-racehorse-now-duty-saratoga

Despite his many accomplishments in racing, Chuck's greatest joy came from time spent with his family and friends, whose company he cherished above all else.

He was predeceased by his parents and his two sisters, Beverly Gabnoue and Shirley Graham.

Survivors include his son, Mark Harrison (Brandy) of Hague, NY; his daughter, Julie Harrison (Darreyl Bullard) of Ballston Spa,; grandchildren Bradley (Maggie) Harrison, Olivia Harrison (John), Adam Harrison, Ashley Harrison (Dylan), Tyler Bullard (Liz), and Kiara Bullard; great-grandchildren Aurora and Evelyn and his special friend, Debbie Snyder

Friends and family may call from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Sunday February 1, 2026 at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday February 2, 2026 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the family plot at the Village of Ballston Spa Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Chuck's memory to the New Vocations Race Horse Adoption Program https://www.newvocations.org/ or the Alzheimer's Association.