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BORN
1951
DIED
2012
Harold Hartman Obituary
He was the father of Andrea R. wife of Jeff A. Cronin, of Phoenixville. He was born in West Reading Oct. 15, 1951, the son of the late Lloyd C. and Pauline (Koch) Hartman. Harvey operated Harv's Happy Horns, brass instrument repairs, for the past 17 years at his residence. He and his wife, Cindy, owned and operated the Oley Legion Diner for over 20 years. He was a 1969 Oley Valley High School graduate and a member of Rajah Shrine and its Concert Band, String Band, German Band, Dance Band and Dixieland Band.
He was also a member of the Northeast Varsity Band, Boyertown Alumni Band, Pottsgrove Community Band, Ken Clauser and the Country Gentlemen and P.O.S of A. at Oley Camp.
Harvey loved his family first and foremost. He enjoyed music, cooking, old cars, Pinochle, Disney and Jagermeister.
Surviving Harvey in addition to his wife, Cindy, and daughter, Andrea, are two sisters, JoAnne Watach, of Glen Allen, Va., and RuthAnn Bergeron, of LaPlace, La., as well a one brother.
Please join the Hartman family in a celebration of Harvey's life Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rajah Shrine Complex, 221 Orchard Road, Maidencreek Township. In honor of Harvey, please bring your instruments to join in the celebration. The family requests that NO flowers be sent.
Please remember Harvey by making contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, "In memory of Harold L. Hartman", 600 Reed Road, Suite 104, Broomall, PA 19008.
The Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Shillington is assisting the Hartman family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Hartman
Gilles Monfort
November 28, 2021
Almost ten years after, I just came to know that Harvey passed away. I never met him in person but I bought several sousaphone from him. I still remember how cheerful and kind he was. Rest in peace.
The Norrbotten H G Band leading the relieving guard force to the castle.
October 18, 2013
The Norrbotten Home Guard Band right before the Changing of the Guard parade and ceremony at the royal castle, Stockholm. "Harvs" sousa on the right.
October 18, 2013
Johan Gustafsson
October 18, 2013
Ages ago I bought my very first instrument off of Ebay - a lovingly restored children's sousaphone - and the seller was Harv, a very nice acquaintance to make.
When my band needed a marching bass he was an excellent guide into the world of sousas, and found and restored one of the model we settled on for us. Years later when we tried to buy a new case, but the store couldn't ship to Sweden, Harv offered to recieve it and ship it on to us. That's how sweet of a guy he was.
That sousaphone have now for many years been a good battle axe at numerous occasions around and outside Sweden, in concert halls and barrack squares, in forests and on beaches, in tents and the court yard of the royal castle. In changing of the guard ceremonies and even in a symphony orchestra once, when my concert tuba was out of commission (how I wish I had that rendition of ”Finlandia” on recording!). Sometimes with mud up to our calves, but always in mirror-shined shoes. Sometimes I thought: ”If only Harv knew where 'his' sousa was now!” You see, one problem about being part of the act, is that it's hard to take pictures of it.
A colleague from another band was very impressed with the horn and wanted to know where to get one, so I checked Harv's addresses to see if they were still valid. Instead I find an obituary.
That's kind of ironical. Now that I finally have some pictures, I've got no-one to show them to.
I wish I could have met Harv in person, for even though we only exchanged some e-mails, he felt like a close acquaintance, and now I feel like I've lost one. He would joke and say that he would deliver the next horn in person, and make a vacation out of it, but that next horn never came. Now it never will.
My condolences to the family.
Sleep tight, Harv.
Johan Gustafsson
June 26, 2013
I never met Harv, but I always was in amazement at his work on tubas. It's a pity that I never got to meet him. His ebay entries were what gave me hope to keep practicing when I was in High School. I kept thinking: one day, I'll be able to play one of those! Thanks Harv!
A tuba buddy out in LA.
Don & Sandy Hoffman
December 4, 2012
Cindy and family......we were shocked to learn of Harvey's passing. "Harv" was a great friend and just a great person. How we enjoyed serving as aids with the two of you. Please accept our sympathies and prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
Harv's warmth and enthusiasm made for immediate friendship
Marc Lindy
December 3, 2012
Dear Mrs. Hartman & Family, I am so deeply saddened at your loss. I went online today with the intention of phoning Harv, anticipating one of our infrequent but always enjoyable and interesting conversations about horns. These are the moments we are reminded how precious life is and to be thankful for each day. Harv was such a kind and dedicated musician and craftsman. It was so obvious from his workmanship and attitude how much he cared about people and getting things done right. When I bought my 100 year-old helicon from Harv, he really wanted me to play it before he shipped it across the continent. I'm really glad he suggested that as it gave me the opportunity to meet him in person and it was such a memorable evening.
My thoughts are with you.
John Huggens
October 23, 2012
I have many fond and fun memories playing music with Harv, but most of all I remember his giving nature. Harv's Happy Horns was the most appropriate name for his business. Sandy and I have heavy hearts when we think about the sorrow that Cindy and Andrea are experiencing. The Novemeber 11th celebration will be a perfect tribute to Harv and an opportunity to provide comfort to those who knew him.
Dr. Jann L. Huggens
October 22, 2012
Harv, you will be sorely missed in the world of music. You always made me laugh and I appreciated your repair skills.My prayers are with the Hartman family on their loss.
October 22, 2012
The world will not be the same with the loss of our good friend, Harvey. It was a pleasure to have played along side of Harvey and his tuba.
George & Ronny Babilon
Ken Riddle
October 22, 2012
I am so sorry and saddened by the the loss of my friend Harvey. He was just the best! Thought and prayers are with the family. I will sure miss my friend Harvey.
Zeigler, Jose Hernandez holding a custom Eb tuba buily by Harv, Chris Eddlemon holding a Sousaphone he bought from Harv, some other friends.
Kurt Zeigler
October 22, 2012
I never met Harv but I always looked forward to our phone conversations and enjoyed sharing music and Tuba stories with him. My Deepest sympathy for all of his family.
Lori Fegely Savidge
October 21, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you Cindy and Andrea! I have such good memories of being the "toast girl" at the Legion Diner! Harvey and you gave me a great example of what hard workers look like! Love you both!
Woody & Maryann Long
October 20, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Harveys' family. We enjoyed many good years of his friendship at the Oley Legion Diner. God bless.
Wayne Wiley
October 19, 2012
It saddens me that I never got to meet Harvey in person. He was known by many worldwide on account of his work. And I have the pleasure of owning a tuba that was graced by his skilled hands. I'd love to be there on the 11th to honor him, but the distance makes that next to impossible. Go with God, Harvey. We miss you.
JOSE HERNANDEZ
October 19, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy and Andrea for there loss. Mr. Harv Happy Horn was one of the most special person I had meet in my life. I will miss you!
Gini and Chuck
October 19, 2012
What a kind, gentle, loving,giving man. He will surely be missed but NEVER forgotten.
Jim & Diane Sikora
October 19, 2012
Many a good meal was eaten at the Oley Legion Diner. So sorry for your loss, prayers coming your way.
Nancy (Lecce) Sellers
October 19, 2012
My condolences to the family on Harold's passing. My brother, Michael, and I, neighbors, often played on the farm with Harold and Ruthie. I live nearby now and often drive by thinking of the good times we had together. I was amazed when, during the last years of operating the kitchen at the Oley Legion, I walked back to the kitchen and Harold knew who I was, although almost 50 years had passed.
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