ROUND TOP―Harald Schmeelk, 83, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026.

Born on July 24, 1942, in Germany, he was the son of the late Ernst and Freida (Meyn) Schmeelk.

Harald was born and raised in Odisheim, Germany. After completing his masonry training at trade school in Cuxhaven, he immigrated to New York in 1960. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Silke, and together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Harald was widely known and respected for his unwavering work ethic, craftsmanship, and dedication to his trade. He took great pride in building S&F Masonry alongside his lifelong friend and business partner, Joe (Sepp) Fischer. Through years of hard work and commitment, they earned the trust and respect of countless clients and colleagues throughout the community. Harald took immense pride in his work, especially in helping build family homes that would be cherished for generations.  

Harald found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially gathering with family and friends in the screenhouse, where a good Manhattan, good conversation, and plenty of laughter were always shared. He also enjoyed watching episodes of The Honeymooners and The Three Stooges, or spending time with good friends at German festivals. He especially cherished watching his great-grandchildren at their sports games and school events, proudly supporting each moment. These times together were among his most treasured. Harald and Silke were active members of the Kaatskill Germania Schuhplattler Verein for many years, sharing their love of German culture and traditions with their daughters while helping preserve their heritage for future generations.

In addition to his parents, Harald was predeceased by his beloved wife, Silke (Warrings) Schmeelk; his siblings, Adalbert Schmeelk, Ursula (Reinert) Frey, and Ernst Schmeelk; and his son-in-law, Robert Donahue Jr.

Harald is survived by his loving daughters, Connie Donahue and Ingrid Leis (Ed Brandt); his cherished granddaughters, Amanda (TJ) Dwyer, Ashley (Ryan) VanDenburgh, Candice (Pete) Kavakos, and Courtney (Robert) Hasenkopf; his nine beloved great-grandchildren, Avery, Emelia, Heidi, Grace, Logan, Emma, Charlotte, Charlie, and Luke; his sister-in-law, Herta Schmeelk; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Care has been entrusted to AJ Cunningham Funeral Home, condolences may be left at http://www.ajcunninghamfh.com.

A memorial service celebrating Harald's life will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greene County Women's League Cancer Patient Aid or to Resurrection Lutheran Church.