Harry Gearhart Jr.

1929 - 2025

Harry Franklin Gearhart, Jr.

December 14, 1929 - November 1, 2025

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania - Harry Franklin Gearhart, Jr., 95, of Bellefonte, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Born December 14, 1929, in Pine Grove Mills, he was a son of the late Harry Franklin Gearhart Sr. and Hazel (Thompson) Gearhart. He married Frances (Texler) Gearhart on July 4, 2015 who survives, and was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia in 2005, after 52 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Shelly (Allen) Miller; four sons, Wayne (Connie) Gearhart, William (Denise) Gearhart, Harry Gearhart III (Cindy), and Quinton (Phoebe) Gearhart; eight grandchildren, Aaron, Alysha, Austin, Avery, Jenna, Kristin, Malloch, Shannon; five great-grandchildren, Asher, (AJ) Austin Jr., Ellie, Liam, Penelope; a sister, Patricia Rimmey; and his wife's children, Roxy (Richard) Witmer, Scott (Kelly) Parsons, Kipper Parsons, Lindy (Antionette) Parsons.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Edgar Gearhart, and two sisters, Lois Lavigne and Anna Mary John.

Harry was a 1949 graduate of State College Area High School and shortly after, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a proud veteran and often seen wearing a Veterans cap.

His career as a plasterer began working alongside his father and brother in the family plastering business; and then 20 years at The Pennsylvania State University, retiring in 1991.

Harry was an active member of his church, New Beginnings, in State College.

Throughout his life, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. His love for the outdoors was shared with his children and included hiking, camping, and hunting in the mountains of Centre, Huntingdon, and Tioga counties; fishing trips to Canada, local streams and lakes, especially Stone Valley/Lake Perez; and many family gatherings at his Camp Whippoorwill. He also excelled in sports, including high school baseball and football, Centre Lanes bowling leagues, Centre County Baseball League, and recreational senior softball.

Funeral services and Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, in State College.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Beginnings Church, 341 Science Park Road, State College PA 16801, or a charity of your choice.