Harold " Skin" Houghtaling, 85, of Hyde Park, passed away at home on June 12, 2024.

He was born December 1, 1938, in Sharon, Connecticut to Ezra and Lucy (Rifenburgh) Houghtaling. He was the last surviving sibling of 9 children. He grew up in the areas of Amenia and Ancram, NY.

On February 19th, 1961, he married the love of his life, Barbara DeStefano. She pre-deceased him on November 7, 2022, after 61 happy years of marriage.

He started racing stock cars in the 1950s at early racetracks in the area, such as Arlington Speedway and Accord Speedway. That passion for racing continued into retirement, when he became the go to for all different drivers at Lebanon Valley but especially his favorite teams of sons, Alan, Brian, and grandson, Brian.

He was retired after many years as an Arlington Central School District bus driver. His love for driving continued as he and Barbara traveled the country in their motorhome seeing many states and visiting family along the way and spending winters in New Port Richey, Florida. In the past few years, he would go for a "ride" and would call from anywhere from New Hampshire to Tennessee. He loved to just get in the car and go with Barbara and his many faithful furry companions, most recently, his dachshund, Roxie.

He is survived by sons, Alan Houghtaling and Brian Houghtaling (Laurie); grandchildren, Brian Houghtaling (Karissa), Brittiney (Phil) Skorupski, and Morgan Houghtaling; and great-grandchildren, Liliana (Pond Lily), Emmaline (Emma) and Jaxson. He is also survived by Lisa Schoonmaker, Tami Ward, Sandy Rider and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He loved playing "Left, Right, Center" with a huge group of close friends, who he also leaves behind.

As we think of him, we'll remember him with a cigar in his hand (not lit), deer hunting from a comfortable spot (everything had horns), telling and laughing at his own jokes (sometimes only he got them) dancing at the Ho-down, enjoying a bowl of spaghetti, his bloody mary's and peering over any motor around giving advice.

Many thanks to the numerous people at Hospice that helped him and us during this journey, especially Donna, Chynna, Ricky, and Keisha. Thank you to all the family and friends who also provided him care and comfort.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and services will be private.

To send an online condolence, please visit his obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.