Obituary of Harvey Lawrence Katz

HARVEY L. KATZ APRIL 9, 21925-JUNE 4, 2011 GOSHEN FORMELY OF YONKERS Harvey L. Katz, age 86, died on June 4th, at the Glen Arden Health Care Center in Goshen, NY after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Harvey was born on April 9, 1925, the only child of Milton V. Katz and Dora Simpson, who had emigrated from Europe. He grew up in New Rochelle, New York and graduated from Isaac E. Young High School where he first discovered his love of journalism. After high school he enlisted in the army and served on the European front during World War II with the 75th Infantry Division. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and subsequently received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. While recovering from his injury he co-authored the book, "They Came from the Ardennes" which immortalized the bravery of the soldiers in his division. He remained involved in the 75th Division Veterans Association throughout his life and attended all of their reunions, including the 50th reunion at the Pines Hotel. He also received a commendation from the United States government for his service to the country during the Cold War and is listed in the Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, NY. After World War II, he attended Syracuse University and graduated from the school of Journalism in 1949. While at Syracuse University he was the editor of the Daily Orange Newspaper and wrote a famous story about the night the Archibold gym burned to the ground. Also, while at Syracuse University he met Glory Weisberger, who he married in 1949. From 1949 until 1958, Harvey was a reporter and editor for several newspapers. In 1958 he became the director of corporate public relations for Pan American Airlines. This was a great accomplishment as he was the first Jewish person to work in upper management at Pan American. He accompanied their wheel chair basketball team to Israel and Italy where they had an audience with Pope John XXIII. In 1973 he became the Vice President of the New York City Convention and Visitor's Bureau. a position he held until his retirement in 1992. He was instrumental in promoting New York City as the "big apple." Harvey and Glory had two children Susan and Arne. One of the great joys of his life was Susan's marriage to Stephen G. Miller. Harvey considered Stephen to be his son and enjoyed an extremely close relationship with him. He was married to Glory for 62 years and they had wonderful times together, greatly enjoying their family, friends and life in general. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed parties tremendously. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle and friend. After his retirement, Harvey and Glory continued to lead an active life, traveling all over the country and world, visiting family and friends, attending Syracuse University events, Mets and Syracuse basketball games and in general enjoying themselves. Glory's love and devotion kept Harvey active and living a very full life until his failing health resulted in their moving to the Glen Arden Life Care Center in Goshen in 2005 after living in Yonkers, NY for 47 years. Harvey is survived by his devoted wife, Glory of Goshen, his loving son Arne Katz and daughter Susan K. Miller and her husband Stephen, all of Woodridge, NY, his niece Pamela Brier and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and great, great nephew. During the past four and a half years Harvey resided at the Glen Arden Health Care Center where he received compassionate and excellent care. While each and every staff at the Health Care Center was outstanding the family wants to particularly thank Julie Jamsek, Cheryl Hefner, Dawn Molnar, Lori Knapp, Torey Edwards, Jim Krauss, Chitiva Bowen and Tina Baisley for the many kindnesses and wonderful care they provided to both Harvey and the rest of the family. We also wish to thank Harvey's two special caregivers, Janet Spence and Nancy Reid for their devotion to both Harvey and Glory. The family will be sitting shiva at the home of Susan and Steve Miller from Monday after the burial until Thursday night. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 1pm in the Joseph N. Galrick Funeral Home Inc. 388 Broadway Monticello, NY 12701. Rabbi Daivd Kay will officiate. Burial will be in the Hurlevyille Synagogue Cemetery Hurelyville, NY. For directions or to send the family a condelence note please visit our website at www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made in Harvey's memory to the Sullivan ARC Foundation, Guardianship Fund, 162 East Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701.