Harry Anderson

Harry Anderson was born in Washington, DC on October 25, 1938. He was the oldest of six (6) children born to Leslie Anderson. He never knew his father, Harry Haden. He is preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Harry had a serious work ethic and was driven to the service of others even at an early age. As a boy living in Georgetown, he had two (2) paper routes. He delivered the Washington Post in the morning before school and the Evening Star after school in the afternoon. He attended St. Augustine's Catholic School and went on to attend Cardozo High School where he graduated in 1957.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served for four (4) years and was honorably discharged. While in the service, he married Constance Rivers and gained two (2) sons, Harry Jr. and Gavin. They purchased a home in Peppermill Village where he became the president of the civic association while helping to coach little league football. During this time, he worked on Capitol Hill at the U.S. House of Representatives as a civil servant and at night at the Riggs Bank to help make ends meet. Experiencing the vicissitudes of life, his marriage to Constance unraveled and they became divorced in 1970. He moved to Oakcrest Tower apartments and lived alone while continuing to work on Capitol Hill where he was affectionately known as The Doctor.

Eventually, he met Selma Twitty, and they got married in 1974. The two (2) of them traveled to a variety of places around the world. Harry loved to dance so Selma became his dancing partner and they became the "most watched" dancing couple at parties and various celebrations such as Knights of Columbus galas. They purchased a home in Upper Marlboro where Harry retired from his federal job and became an employee with the Prince George's County court system until he was vested for his second (2nd) retirement. He became a member of St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Washington DC where he served faithfully as an usher and enjoyed the pleasure of serving the St. Augustine's family.

Over the years he became the Grand Knight of his council and continued to serve faithfully. He considered his time on the council as another way to reach people in the community that needed assistance.

Harry Anderson was known to many as a well-dressed man who had a particular eye for color and fabric. His term for putting outfits together was called "hooking" because you must be "hooked to the gills" and "strictly bo" (meaning Bohemian) whenever you step out the house (even to cut grass). Harry owned a plethora of shoes, hats and many accessories that accompanied his outfits. The combination of his outgoing personality and flair for dressing demanded an explanation when he entered a room. Many would say or wanted to know-who is that…?

Harry leaves to cherish his memory, his two sons, Harry Jr. and Gavin, two siblings, Marcellous and Silillian, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other family and friends.