Harvey Vern Delzer was born to Edward and Anna Delzer in Pollock, South Dakota on February 11, 1932. He passed away suddenly in a tragic accident on July 28, 2018. Harvey was the youngest of three children, with a brother, Melvin, and a sister, Alma. Harvey graduated from Selby High School in 1949 at age 17 and attended the University of South Dakota for three semesters before enlisting in the Navy in January of 1951. While on leave from the Navy, Harvey was the victim of an accident involving a drunk driver, which resulted in a year-long hospital stay. He then resumed his studies at USD, became President of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science in 1955. Due to complications from the accident, he decided to move to a warmer climate and chose to attend Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida, graduating valedictorian in 1958. Throughout law school, Harvey was a caretaker and mentor to Harvey Firestone, III, who suffered from Cerebral Palsy. The Firestone Family offered Harvey a position at the company’s headquarters in Ohio, but he declined, wanting to stay in Florida. While at Stetson, Harvey met the love of his life, Hilda Otero, at the Saturday night dance at the St. Petersburg Coliseum. They married in 1958 and Harvey started practicing law in a large Tampa firm. When he opened his own law practice in 1960, he was one of only three attorneys in New Port Richey. He and his partners built a successful and well-respected personal injury and property law practice. Delzer, Coulter, Bell still remains a prominent New Port Richey law firm today. Harvey was also a partner in Krysher, Delzer, and Feddeler, a real estate development company specializing in retail shopping centers, partnering to develop many retail properties in the surrounding area. In addition, Harvey served as a director of People’s State Bank. Harvey was known for his outstanding professional ethics throughout Pasco County and was always a pillar in his community.
Above all of his success in law and business, Harvey always put family first. Harvey and Hilda built their family in New Port Richey, Florida. Harvey was a devoted father to Edward, born in May of 1959, Penny, born February of 1961, and Laura, born January of 1968. The Delzer family loved to travel, often visiting family in South Dakota. Harvey celebrated many birthdays in Las Vegas with family, enjoying shows, dancing, and gaming. They lived on the water in New Port Richey, often taking their boat out enjoying days on the Gulf.
In retirement, Harvey and Hilda moved to Madeira Beach to enjoy living on the water. Harvey often walked the beach making friends everywhere he went - he never met a stranger. He loved to entertain and treat family and friends to dinner where meaningful conversation and storytelling were the centerpiece. On June 1st, 2018, Harvey and Hilda celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Anna, brother Melvin, sister Alma (Preszler), and his daughter Penny. Harvey is survived by his wife, Hilda, his daughter Laura, and countless friends and family.
A visitation will take place on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 3-6:00 p.m., with the service at 6:00 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774.
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