Harry M. Sloate

Harry Matthew Sloate of Jefferson, Massachusetts, passed away in his fifty-ninth year, on August 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Harry was married to his dear wife Lisa for 33 years, and together they had four beautiful children, Zoey, Samantha, Jamie, and Matthew.

Born in Syracuse, New York, he was the son of Harry M. Sloate Sr. and Patricia (Cavanaugh) Sloate and brother of Lisa Sloate, Lori Sloate, Tim Sloate, and Kevin Sloate. Harry spent an idyllic childhood mostly in Acton, Massachusetts, enjoying many long days outside playing street hockey and whiffle ball, riding bikes, and getting up to general mischief in the company of his siblings and neighborhood friends. He thrived in the love and care of his close-knit family.

Harry graduated from high school in Illinois in 1984 and made his way to Boston College, where he met a group of wonderful friends and his beloved wife, Lisa. Harry and Lisa (Emond) married in 1992, and together, they were devoted to raising the family they always wanted. A true hands-on Dad, Harry spent countless hours imparting life lessons, chasing adventures, coaching sports teams, and supporting the children he loved so dearly in all ways large and small.

At his core, Harry cared deeply for everyone, but especially those less fortunate. He earned his master’s degree in social work at Rhode Island College and spent the majority of his career as a social worker helping disadvantaged and neglected children, both at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and the Child Protection Program at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. He also worked as a patient advocate for hospital patients and their families. The children and families he served couldn’t have asked for a better advocate.

Over the years, Harry enjoyed playing ice hockey, hiking, camping, music, and golf, in addition to traveling, beach outings, and crosswords. He was especially proud of teaching himself to play the guitar, tending to the backyard hockey rinks he built, and biking the El Camino in Spain with a group of friends - and a broken wrist. An avid Boston sports fan, Harry’s TV was often tuned to NESN, where he watched as many Bruins and Red Sox games as possible. Sunday afternoons in the fall were spent watching football with a big plate of homemade spaghetti and meatballs, raking leaves at half-time and replenishing firewood. Above all, Harry enjoyed spending time with his children and their significant others, his extended family, and his life-long circle of friends, always living in the moment and giving everyone his attention, warmth, humor, and gentle wisdom.

Harry leaves behind his wife, Lisa and his children; Zoey, Samantha and her husband Ethan, Jamie and her fiancé Dan, and Matthew. He also leaves behind his parents; Harry and Patricia Sloate, his siblings; Lisa, Lori and her spouse Trish, Kevin and his wife Jamie, and his sister-in-law Hillary, his nieces; Eva, Lily, and Rose, his in-laws; Bruce and Diana Emond, and his brother-in-law Mike. Additionally, he is survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. His brother Tim pre-deceased him.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson MA, followed by a gathering at Seven Saws, 112 Industrial Drive, Holden, MA from 12-3 PM, where all family and friends are welcome. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Harry’s memory to the Wonderfund, a non-profit that partners with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to provide essentials, enrichment programs, and holiday gifts to disadvantaged children, at www.wonderfundma.org. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, www.milesfuneralhome.com.