W. Harney Davey

William Harney Davey, age 89, entered God’s kingdom on November 19, 2025. A hardworking, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, partner, and educator, Harney lived by example.

Born in Plattsburgh, NY on September 27, 1936, Harney was the eldest son of the late William P. and Rita (Harney) Davey of Keeseville. As a youth, Harney learned the value of hard work on his family’s Hallock Hill farm. His 6’ 5” height contributed to successful basketball memories at Keeseville Central School and in college. While earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, he met his college sweetheart and future wife. On July 12, 1958, Harney married Cecilia R. Collins. They began their teaching careers while first residing near Harney Bridge in Cadyville.

Professionally, Harney enjoyed 37 years of dedicated educational service. For ten years, he first taught fifth grade and then secondary science in Peru Central School. In 1967, Harney was selected Northeastern NY Teacher of the Year.

For 27 years, Harney served as assistant superintendent for Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington BOCES. With a philosophy of “Do it right or not at all,” he approached problems as opportunities. Throughout his BOCES career, Harney’s educational innovation helped create multiple services and programs for the Instructional Services Center which continues to serve our region’s schools.

A steadfast advocate for the North Country, Harney’s commitment was noted in his roles as past president of the Cadyville Fire Department, past president of the Northeastern Zone of the New York State Teachers’ Association, founding member and past president of the Peru Federal Credit Union, and past board member/officer of WCFE Public Television. He enjoyed membership in the Peru Lion’s Club, Keeseville Elk’s Club, and Plattsburgh Rotary Club.

Harney liked to keep busy. When his family wasn’t snowmobiling, boating, or camping, he was building. During his life, he built five residences. Harney was most proud of his Water Edge home filled with 42 years of memories.

Harney liked thick chocolate milk shakes and tomato soup cake. A car buff, he followed both vintage and new car trends. Harney was a loyal reader of Family Motor Coach Magazine, Adirondack Life, Consumer Reports, and the Press Republican.

In retirement, Harney relaxed with home projects, travelled, and spent 29 warm winters in Florida. He was the first HOA president of the Pelican Lake Motor Coach Resort in Naples, Florida. Recently, Harney appreciated lakeside summers at Harbor View in Plattsburgh and snowbird sun in Verona Walk, Naples.

William Harney Davey loved his family. Coffee in hand, he relished time to talk and support his children and grandchildren in academics and athletics. He was predeceased by the love of his life for 46 years, Cecilia Collins Davey, and an eighteen month old son, William Collins Davey.

Those who remember Harney’s strong influence include his caring companion and partner of 17 years, Lois Lynch, of Plattsburgh and Naples, Florida. Harney is survived by his loving children, Dr. Mark Davey of Plattsburgh, Elaine and Brent Whitcomb of Keeseville, and Susan and Nathan Wilson of Plattsburgh. Grandchildren include Matthew Whitcomb, Thomas (Elizabeth) Whitcomb, Hannah (Adam) Richards, Kelly and Meghan Davey, and Michael and Collin Wilson plus great grandchildren Katherine, Kennedy, Quinn and Connor. Harney is also survived by one sister,

Elaine Davey Rice of Saranac, one brother, Thomas J. Davey of Keeseville, and one sister in law, Dottie Chace, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 24 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church in Plattsburgh, on Tuesday, November 25 at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Butcher Block Adirondack Room in Plattsburgh. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Cadyville Volunteer Fire Department, the Keeseville Elks Club, or the Plattsburgh Interfaith Food Shelf.