Harry Joseph Muff

Harry Joseph Muff A gentle heart stopped beating and hard working hands were at rest on February 25, 2010 when Harry J. Muff passed peacefully into eternal life joining his beloved wife Rita and son Jimmy. Harry was born on July 21, 1920 in Crete Nebraska to William and Lena (Patz) Muff. He lived the hard working life of a farmer and attended Doane College for a year before moving to San Diego, California in 1941 for greater opportunities. Harry lived with his sister Katy while continuing his education in manufacturing engineering and working at Solar Aircraft Company. Harry tried enlisting in the Army Air Force, but his request was denied as the military wanted him to help build needed aircrafts for the war effort. In 1944 Harry was drafted into the Army and proudly served in the 10th Mountain Division and bravely fought in Africa and Italy before being wounded in 1945 for which he received a Purple Heart. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, he returned to San Diego where he met his future wife Rita Barrett. After three short months, they were married in 1946 in a double wedding ceremony with Rita's brother, Edward Barrett, and Harry's sister, Dorothy Muff. In 1957, Harry took a job with IBM and moved to the San Jose area and eventually to Willow Glen where he and Rita raised their six children. During this time Harry worked as a manufacturing engineer at Associated Machine Corp., Lockheed, FMC, and Memorex/Unisys.. Harry's kindness, sense of humor and strong work ethic will be remembered by the many lives he so gently touched. Harry's abundant garden supplied his family and friends with tomatoes, zucchini, string beans, avocados, apples, peaches, plums, and oranges. Papa's applesauce was an important source of nourishment for his growing grandchildren. Harry leaves behind his son Jerry (Gayle) of Mill Creek, WA; his daughters Sally (Richard) Gerhart of Silver Spring, MD, Sue (Jim) Ersted, Mary (Patrick) McCullough, and Eileen (Terry) McMahon all of San Jose. Loving and adored Papa of Ryan (Ariesa) and John (Margo) Muff; Beth, Brian, and Phil Gerhart; Jimmy and Katie Ersted; Tim (Amanda), Colleen and Brian McCullough; and, Bridget, Mitchell and Bradley McMahon, and great grandson Timmy McCullough, Jr. Harry is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Thomas, William, George, Evert, and Hubert and his sisters Gertrude, Bernice and Doris. He is survived by his sisters Katy, Dorothy and Lucile and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing Sunday, February 28 4pm-9pm, Vigil 7PM, Willow Glen Funeral Home 1039 Lincoln Avenue San Jose; Funeral Mass St. Christopher Church 1576 Curtner San Jose, Monday, March 1st 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Harry's name to help build a homeless Family Residence at www.familysupportivehousing.org Family Supportive Housing 1590 Las Plumas Av San Jose, Ca 95133 or give to the charity of your choice.