Mr. Harry K. Rush, 78, of Willow Valley, Lancaster, Pa., passed away Jan. 17, 2021, from a short battle with cancer.
Born in Easton, Pa., on July 26, 1942, he was the eldest son of the late Kenneth P. Rush and the late Dorothy M. (Anderson) Rush. Raised in Bloomsbury, N.J., and later moving to Blairstown, N.J., he was a 1960 graduate of Blairstown High School. His senior project on Cuba resulted in a correspondence and invitation from Fidel Castro to see Cuba for himself much to Harry’s shocked amazement. Harry did not accept the invite. He later graduated from Trenton Junior College (1963) with a degree in biology and Rutgers University (1973) with a degree in vocational education, with honors.
In 1964, Harry joined the U.S. Army, deployed to Vietnam, and worked as a cryptographer. He met his lifetime quota for camping while in the Army much to the dismay of his family – there were no family camping trips. He spent his days writing codes in the company of Gen. Westmoreland. After leaving the Army, Harry married the love of his life, Carol A. Mays, and they were happily married for 53 years. Many letters sent from Vietnam ended with HOLLAND – Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies.
Harry’s career always revolved around education including teaching at Warren County Technical School in Washington, N.J. He changed to corporate training and engineering around 1980, working for numerous tech and telecommunications companies in New Jersey. After retirement, he and Carol moved to Onancock, where he continued to serve his community by working on the local broadband board and the board of directors for Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ESCADV).
Church was always central to Harry’s life and he served as an elder and clerk at 2nd English Presbyterian Church of Amwell in Lambertville, N.J., as well as Naomi Makemie Presbyterian in Onancock. He was also involved in Joe’s Boys men’s group.
Civically minded, he served on the West Amwell School Board and the West Amwell Zoning Board of Adjustment.
As a former resident of Lambertville, Harry had easy access to flea markets, antiques, and most importantly old post cards. An avid collector from childhood, Harry amassed tens of thousands of cards over the years much to his delight. Known for his sense of humor and wit, he relished comedic films with his favorite being “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Harry enjoyed farm markets, specialty food shops, thrift stores, and spending time with his wife and family.
He’s survived by his loving wife, Carol A. Rush; daughters, Nicole Carter (Tony) and Lauren Rush (Khalid Sheikh). He loved the company of his four grandchildren, Harrison Carter, Mitchell Carter, Dean Carter, and Merriam Sheikh. He leaves behind a brother, Alan Rush (Christine), and their children and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Naomi Makemi Presbyterian Church, Onancock, with services streamed online.