Harry K. Rush

Harry K Rush, 78, Old Postcard Connoisseur

Harry K Rush, 78, of Willow Valley, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 17, 2021, from a short battle with cancer.

Born in Easton, Pennsylvania 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, NJ and later moving to Blairstown, NJ, 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 (Honors).

In 1964, Harry joined the US 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 General 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, NJ.  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, Virginia 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, NJ as well as Naomi Makemi Presbyterian in Onancock, VA.  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, NJ 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 (Tony) Carter and Lauren (Khalid Sheikh) Rush.  He loved the company of his four grandchildren: Harrison Carter, Mitchell Carter, Dean Carter, and Merriam Sheikh.  He leaves behind a brother Alan (Christine) Rush and their children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Naomi Makemi Presbyterian Church, Onancock, VA with services streamed online.

Memorials may be made to ESCADV or Naomi Makemi Presbyterian Church in both in Onancock, VA.

 

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  • I missed “my favorite neighbor” so much when he moved away never thinking that that it was the end of a wonderful 20-year friendship. I would round his corner of the block w/Bella and he and I would talk, poke fun at one another, and verbally settle the problems of the world ’til my knees gave out. I mostly miss his wicked sense of humor presented w/a straight poker face and his love of gossip. Totally w/o guile, he was a one in a million!

    • Thank you, Donna, for remembering Harry. He was a storyteller and a good person. I thank you just for remembering him.thank you, Patty, for your perfect assessment of Harry. I appreciate your kind words.

  • Nicole”s General Motors family is sending thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Please know that your GF6/GF9 Transmission team is always here for you. Condolences to your entire family.

  • Nicole, please remember and cherish the great memories of your dad! I am praying for you and your family.

    Terri

    • Thank you for your kind words Terri. I hope you enjoy your upcoming retirement as much as my father enjoyed his.

  • So sorry for your loss. what a wonderful guy! a real treasure. I lost Pat in July to Parkinson’s so if you ever want to talk, email me.

    • Thank you, Susan, as we have much in common. Remembering Pat and Harry together is a combination of smiles and great stories. We’ll do it with great joy!

  • Harry was one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have known. I think he’s the only person I’ve known who ran into a burning building to save someone else! He stood up for all people, willingly speaking his mind, courageously speaking the truth. I loved his sense of humor — which at times bordered on the irreverent, but welcome perspective. He was one of a kind and his departure leaves a big hole in my heart. But he’s now telling his stories to the saints in heaven. Amen.

  • One of the toughest times is to deal with the death of a dear one. May God give you strength. My deepest condolences on your loss.

    • Thank you, Irma. It is a very difficult time and I appreciate all your very kind words. We rejoice in the fact that he said he didn’t have pain.
      Thank you again,

  • Mrs Rush,
    I was shocked to hear of Mr. Rush passing. I have always thought a lot of you two. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Alex Bundick( Chesapeake Bay ENT)

  • I’m very shocked and saddened to hear about Harry.. I will miss his humor and kindness as I was a new member of the Naomi Makemie Church choir and I enjoyed hus and Carols company at the Thurs night after choir practice dinners at Blarney Stone in town.. I still have the magnet he gave me on my frig.. Which was an old postcard of Onancock.. He was truly one of a kind..

  • Miss him so much already. When around Uncle Harry, not smiling was impossible. Prayers for the family in healing and praise for his new home in Christ. Take care.

  • Harry was quite simply a prince. I loved him dearly, loved our numerous conversations about the insanities of Army life and Vietnam, theology, and everything else we could reflect on. When Harry and Carol moved away from Onancock, they left us all diminished. He was a beauty of a lad, with no meanness, but a wicked sense of humor and a spot-on raconteur! Rest in peace, Prince Harry–send me a postcard.

  • My dear cousin,
    You are being held close in thought and prayer during this time. May your family, your memories, and your faith sustain you.
    Love, Lynn Ann

  • Carol and family – we are so sorry to hear of Harry going to be with our Lord and Savior and other loved ones that have gone before him. We send our heart felt sympathies and know that he will be greatly missed. May God give you all comfort and strength for the days ahead.

  • Nicole,

    Very sorry for you loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers,

    Regards,
    Joe Hilliard
    Brownstown, MI

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