Harold John Behar

Harold John Behar passed away peacefully on January 15, 2023 in Lutz, Florida two days after his 84th birthday. He was born on January 13, 1939 in Montclair, New Jersey and grew up in his hometown, West Orange, New Jersey. Harold is survived and missed by his loving wife Patricia (nee Conklin) of 38 years, and his children, Harold, David, and Christopher. Forever cherished and remembered by his five grandchildren, Logan, Katelyn, Connor, Lindsay, and Alix. He is survived by his brother Joseph, his sisters Ann Sigler and Elaine Halfpenny (Husband Gerald), and in-laws Nancy Galbraith (Husband Michael), and his many loving nieces and nephews. Harold was predeceased by his father Joseph, his mother Rose, his brother Raymond, and in-laws Marie Behar and George Sigler. Harold attended West Orange High School where he lettered in baseball (catcher), basketball (guard) and football (quarterback). Harold proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1959 - 1961 in Aschaffenburg, Germany. He played baseball for the Army throughout Europe in his years with the service. He joined the West Orange Fire Department in 1962 and rose to the rank of Fire Inspector. Raising his three sons, he was actively involved in their school and athletic pursuits as a teacher, coach and mentor. Later, he supported their career aspirations - always offering sage advice along the way. He loved spending time in his "Happy Place" down the shore in Seaside Park. He started each day reading the newspaper from front to back with his breakfast. It kept him sharp and up to date on the world around him. By far, his favorite activity was hosting front porch gatherings with his friends and family. In small groups and large. The conversations were always lively and ranged from politics, family stories, and discussions of the latest book he read. He read a lot of books! Mostly biographies of his favorite sports heroes (Ted Williams was his No.1), giants of industry, politicians, and lots of history books. He loved taking his grandchildren seining, fishing and crabbing on the 5th ave pier. He'd invite them to watch, learn and help with his home projects. He loved exploring the boardwalk and shorelines with his Florida family-especially nieces Katie and Kelly. He also enjoyed traveling with his loving wife and wonderful partner Patty. Together they explored Europe, the U.S., and beyond. He loved seeing new places, learning historical facts, and seeing how different cultures lived. He had close lifelong friendships with Walter, Ralph, and Charlie (they know who they are). He loved watching just about any sport on television and he always looked forward to Sunday. Sundays were for spaghetti and meatballs - his niece Marianne's meatballs were his favorites. Harold had very strong values and principles. Kindness was his unspoken rule. He was always ready to help a friend or stranger in need. To borrow a bike, help fix some porch furniture, carry something heavy - he was there. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our outlook and attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and kindness to all. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Hanover Manor, East Hanover, N.J. on Saturday February 4th from 10 am - 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lefty Boland Charity Golf Tournament which funds sports programs in West Orange for PAL and special needs initiatives. Donations can be made Lefty Boland Golf, c/o West Orange Recreation Dept., 66 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052. Checks payable to Lefty Boland Golf. Tax Deductible ID# 22-2159225