Steven Harr born Feb. 16, 1959, died Sept. 12, 2024
What can be said about a man who succumbed to COVID after a valiant fight of four weeks? Plenty. Steve was a man who was soft-spoken, humble, and respected by all those who knew him. He loved his wife, Kitty, of 38 years, and his children Jace and Brian, who were all the lights of his life. He would help anyone, anytime, including friends and family.
Steve had many passions, including old black and white movies and golf. The man could make a boring game like golf seem exciting – which takes some kind of enthusiasm. He loved old radio shows and listening to Jack Benny tapes, and there was not a moment of the day that Steve would turn down a good cup of coffee.
Steve lived in Columbus, Ohio until he was 12 years old, when he moved to Fairport, NY with his parents, Gene and Donna, and his brother Joe and his sister Linda. He married Kitty in 1986. He worked for Otis Elevator Company as a repairman for 40 years.
Steve was full of “dadisms,” silly songs with made up lyrics, teasing, and bad jokes. “Use your powers for good and not for evil,” he would tease the kids when he dropped them off at school. He would sing old commercials, and he had silly nicknames for his kids. And he loved to do crossword puzzles. He had a giant barn in his backyard where he stored his favorite car, his Ford Fairlane, which he hoped to one day refurbish. He loved to watch football on TV, and the Browns and Ohio State were his teams due to his Ohio roots. He loved visiting junkyards and making his kids breakfast.
He was a homebody, but he also was always there for his friends and extended family. When Kitty’s parents passed away, Steve was at the family homestead helping for hours on end, preparing the home for sale. The same with his own parents’ home, after they passed – another couple lost to COVID. He would help his father tow his beloved old roadsters to vintage car shows, and helped friends with construction jobs and rides. He was so handy, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build, and he proudly renovated his own home.
We hope that his story and the stories about Steve will be shared over and over by his family and friends for years to come…kind of like a movie of sorts that can be enjoyed over and over again. Steve will be missed. He will be remembered for so many things in life.
Comments
10 responses to “Harr, Steve”
Harr family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t believe this. I am shocked as I think so many will feel the same. My sympathies to all in the family.
Dear Kitty and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband/father. I hope and pray you find strength during this incredibly difficult time. You had a great gift having Steve in your life. Cherish the memories. Prayers are with you. Much love. – Nancy Van Gelder
My sweet nephew Steve was a rare gem. So kind and loving. His smiling face and giving nature will be so greatly missed forever. He was a one of a kind treasure gone too soon Love you Kitty❤️
He loved you Aunt Janet. As I know you loved him. He was such a good man.
This man was a giant in the elevator world. 20 years ago I asked him if our task was possible. His response was “ we are elevator men, we can do anything”. 2 weeks before he retired he helped me bump a stator up 6 stories twice without complaint. I asked him why. 40 years in the trade and he gave me the same answer. He was a great man in addition to being a great elevator man. I needed some spine surgery in Cincinnati, he said I’ll take you. Like I asked for a ride to the store. The way he talked about his family was what really made me understand and admire him. His love and worry was immense. Steve was a mentor, a fellow collector and a friend. To his family, I am so sorry, I owe my brother so much, I’m 5 minutes away. Please call if you need anything. 585 943 8419.
Im sorry to hear of Steve’s passing; I’ve been asked to pass on my condolences in my behalf, and for some of his fellow Fairport ‘class of 77’ers’, Darren McKinney, Brian Venton, Steve Clark, and Kevin Halpin.
Thank you, Chris! I know he loved your coin conversations and if I’m not mistaken even though you had different points of view, your political conversations. He was a fair man and is so missed.
Dear Kitty,
Sincere condolences. Steve was a soft spoken but wonderful guy with a wry sense of humor, and we know he’ll be missed. I don’t know if there has been or will be a service for Steve but, as Mike Celent suggested in his note, Steve Clark, Kevin Halpin, Brian Venton and I are heading off shortly on a long planned Adirondacks getaway. But our thoughts and prayers are there with you, your children and the rest of your inner circle.
Love,
Darren
Darren McKinney
Washington, D.C.
This is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man! We will miss him. He was calm and used common sense.
Thank you, Chris! I know he loved your coin conversations and if I’m not mistaken even though you had different points of view, your political conversations. He was a fair man and is so missed.