Harry DeClemente

Harry DeClemente (April 23, 1919 - March 4, 2026) 106 years

The son of the late Erichetta and Eugene DeClemente. Husband to Rosalie DeClemente (nee Litzner). Together they raised four children: Diane (husband Bob), Harry, Janice (husband Ira), and Mark, who in turn blessed them with grandchildren: Sheree, Jake (wife Laurie), Jesse (wife Kim), Justin (wife Lindsey), Shane, Travis (wife Raina), Sienna and Olivia, and great-grandchildren: Emma, Julian, Jake, Levi, Katey, and Clay.

Harry's mom & dad came from Italy. Harry was born on the farmlands of Penns Grove, NJ. His family later moved to Camden, NJ, where he met his wife, Rosalie Litzner. There were many movie theatres in Camden, where he would go, they also had live music. Harry played guitar and studied musical arranging for Big Band Orchestra. Harry was swingin' it like his favorites: Benny Goodman, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw.

Harry's father died during the Great Depression, when Harry was young. In his early 20s, life was interrupted for Harry and his brothers, Albert and Pete, during World War II, when they were called into military service. The brothers were trained in Atlantic City, NJ. The military had repurposed the hotels for sleeping quarters for the soldiers during training. The brothers were then separated when they got their orders. Harry traveled across the country with the Army, coming back during furlough (break) to marry Rosalie in 1944. Harry was eventually stationed in Guam, which was a refueling station for B-52 bombers, including the top-secret mission to Hiroshima that ended the war. Harry and Albert made it back to the States, but their brother Pete tragically died and is buried in France.

After the war, everything changed and The Big Bands diminished in popularity, giving way to Jazz. Harry worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard setting up multi-story scaffolding for the building of ships, eventually becoming a Materials Coordinator.
Harry & Rosalie started a family. The couple liked to dance and took part in competitions, winning several trophies. Harry also was a carpenter. He built their house in the town Rosalie was born in Hilltop, NJ. Harry was interested in getting the best Hi-Fi (High Fidelity) equipment to play his records and tapes. Using his knowledge of Carpentry, Acoustics and Electronics, Harry built a bass reflex speaker cabinet for a 15-inch studio monitor speaker to use with his Hi-Fi System. Just one project among many other cabinetry projects over the years.

Harry's penchant for fun will greatly be missed!

The viewing for Harry is scheduled on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Earle Funeral Home, 122 W. Church St., Blackwood, NJ. His service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment at All Saints Cemetery Mausoleum, 1300 Tuckahoe Rd, Newfield, NJ.