Obituary of Phillip L. Hari

Phillip L. Hari passed away on March 11, 2018 at Hospicare, Ithaca, NY with his beloved daughter Mary at his side. He was born on July 19th, 1933 to Phillip and Hannah Hari in New Milford, PA. After graduating from New Milford High School in 1951, Phil joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean War as a Petty Officer and engineer. His service was split among the Great Lakes, the Eastern Seaboard and Cuba before his being honorably discharged in 1954. He then returned home where he met and would later marry Kathryn Grick in May of 1957. Phil was a member of several civil and professional organizations; American Legion Post 357, VFW, Local 693 teamsters, Blue Stone Masonic Lodge 338, Scottish Rites, Kalurah Shriners, Endless Mountains Business Association, Antique Dealers of Susquehanna County, New Milford Municipal Authority, and New Milford Borough Council. Phil worked for Kerr Motor Lines for 40 years until he retired, whereupon he devoted much of his time to repairing and refinishing antiques to then be sold at the Black Cat Antique Shop, which he and Kate owned and operated for over 37 years. He also enjoyed working around the home and maintaining their gardens. He loved his grandchildren and had a special place in his heart for his great grandson Keegan, a feeling he first experienced with the birth of his daughter and only child, Mary (Mame). Known as a quiet man, Phil was an incredible father and mentor, teaching his daughter everything from how to change a tire to the methods of refinishing furniture and enjoying the outdoors. He also took great pleasure in working with his grandsons, teaching them woodworking and other skills. Phil was predeceased by his parents and by his sisters Jean Robison and Gloria Harig and nephew Daniel Lindsey. He is survived by Kate, his wife of nearly 61 wonderful years; daughter Mary Hari Coffey (Philip), Cortland, NY; grandsons Philip Coffey (Ramey Hayes), Atlanta, GA; and Dr. Patrick Hari Coffey (Dr. Vanessa Yoo Coffey) and great grandson Keegan, Brownsmills, NJ and Queens, NY and by nieces and nephews. In fulfillment of his request, there will be no memorial service. The Wright-Beard Funeral Home of Cortland, NY is serving the family. Those wishing to honor his memory may do so by donating to the Blue Ridge Parks Association, PO Box 626, New Milford, PA 18834. In memory of Phillip those wishing to send thoughts of comfort may be sent to Kate at 839 Bennie Road, Apt. 33, Cortland, NY 13045.