HARRY WANAMAKER

Upper Nyack, NY

Harry Wanamaker, a lifetime resident of Upper Nyack, NY, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at the age of 67.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was born June 21, 1943 to Harry and Ann Wanamaker of Upper Nyack.

Harry graduated from Nyack High School in 1961, served in the U.S. Navy at Quonset Point, RI, served as a Nyack Police Officer and worked as a lineman with Orange & Rockland Utilities. He realized his dream when he was sworn in as fire fighter with the FDNY in 1968, and earned promotion to Lieutenant in 1982. Throughout his 37-year career, Harry served in the busiest fire stations in Harlem and the South Bronx, earning six Certificates of Merit for acts of bravery and receiving the Columbia Association Medal on the steps of City Hall in 1984. During his final years in the FDNY Harry served on the fire boat Marine 1 on the lower West Side. He responded to the World Trade Center following the attacks of September 11th working tirelessly to recover victims for 16 consecutive days, and retired from the FDNY in 2002. Harry was a life member of Empire Hook & Ladder of Upper Nyack, the American Legion CW Post 310 of Nyack where he served as Commander for several years, the Retired Fire Officers Association, the FDNY Florians Society and the Vietnam Veterans Association.

In addition to spending time with his family, Harry loved to work in his garden, fish, spend time with friends, and through his generous nature, to help the elderly residents of his community.

Harry leaves his loving wife of 43 years, Delynne, and their children: Tracy Conte of Briarcliff, NY, Gail VanDyke of Blackstone, MA, Brian of Upper Nyack, Greg of Ft. Collins, CO; brother, Roy of Upper Nyack; sister, Maryanne Mendel of Highland Falls; two sons-in-law and four grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Harry was predeceased by his brothers, Richard and Charles.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 24, from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, July 25, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Hannemann Funeral Home, Inc., 88 South Broadway, Nyack.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, Jefferson St., Nyack, with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nyack.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be sent to the NY Fire Fighters Burn Center, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Arrangements by Hannemann Funeral Home, Inc.; (845) 358-0573.