Harry E. Goldfarb

GOLDFARB, Harry E. Harry E. Goldfarb, 94, of Abrahms Blvd., West Hartford, passed away Monday (November 5, 2007), after a long illness. He was born in Poland and came to the U.S. as a youth. He grew up in Hartford, graduating from Weaver High School. While in high school he worked in a gas station and after graduation he worked at different jobs until he started his own gas station. He then founded The Mercury Oil Company which became the largest independent distributor of gasoline in Connecticut. Harry's success was due to hard work, intelligence and perseverance, but mostly it was due to his integrity -- his word was his bond. He was well known for the honorable conduct of his business. He innately knew the right way to do things and by his actions set a standard. He was a mentor and a role model to his two sons, Bob and Bill, who joined him and his brother, Benjamin at Mercury Oil. He was also a mentor to countless others in both business and in the community and he enjoyed watching their success. After the sale of Mercury in 1981, Harry and his sons founded HRW Resources. Harry was a beloved boss to the many people who worked for him and with him over the 50 plus years of his business career, and many remained close to him long after his retirement. He always had time for them and his people knew that they were very special to him. He quietly practiced private and public philanthropy and was active in many organizations. In his younger years he was an avid and excellent gin rummy player, he loved the Connecticut shoreline spending many summers at Attawan Beach and loved boating both in Long Island Sound and Florida. He leaves sons, Robert and his wife Francine of West Hartford, and William and his wife Maureen of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; a brother, Benjamin of West Hartford, a sister, Ida Shoor, of West Hartford; a brother-in-law, Morris Silver of West Hartford five grandchildren, Lynn, Michael, David, Laura and Paula; and five great-grandchildren, Samuel, Emma, Kate, Jonah and Noah; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves his best friend, Henrietta Zavatkay of Avon. He was predeceased by his sister, Rose Silver; his daughter-in-law Deborah Goldfarb; and his granddaughter, Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb and his wives Syd Levenson Goldfarb and Florence Travis Goldfarb. The family wants to especially thank the aides and nurses on Floor 2 North of the Hebrew Home and Hospital for their compassionate and special loving care. Funeral services will be held on TODAY November 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment was private. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Hebrew Home and Hospital, 1 Abrahms Blvd., West Hartford 06117. Arrangements entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For directions, or to share memories of Mr. Goldfarb with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.