Paul was the oldest son of the late Frederick L. and Helen M. (Olds) Harnar. He is survived by his Aunt Martha (Harnar) Cargo of Greensboro, NC, sister Margaret Harnar Andrews of Port Carbon, PA and brother James Harnar of Santa Fe, NM and by two sons: Michael and his wife Marlo Cookston of Kalamazoo, MI and Christopher and his wife Theresa of Germansville, PA, and two grandchildren, Hazel Mae Harnar and Casey Harnar.
Paul was predeceased by two former spouses: Joan (Eddinger) Bohn, the mother of his two sons; and Judy (Schmidt) Harnar.
Paul was born in Warren, Ohio on July 8, 1941 and moved with his family to Berks County in 1955, living in Lincoln Park in Spring Township. He graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn in 1959 and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph (CVS 15). While aboard the USS Randolph, he participated in the recovery of early astronauts John Glenn and Virgil Grissom.
In the 1960s, Paul and his family returned to Warren, Ohio, where he worked at the Harnar family farm. Later, Paul spent over three decades as a proud Teamster and long distance truck driver, working for a number of companies including a long stint with Bachman Industries. He loved being on the road, traveling extensively throughout the United States, where he made many friends and acquaintances. Throughout his life, he enjoyed watching NASCAR racing in person and on television. In his retirement, he became an avid reader of books, with a special passion for the author Clive Cussler. Over the years, he lived in several communities in Berks and Lehigh Counties and served for many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Lower Heidelberg Fire Company.
Paul was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his late 40’s and in 2001 the effects of the disease forced him to retire early. In recent years he waged a courageous battle against the disease. For a number of years he was cared for by his son Michael, including a five year period when Paul lived with Michael in Pomona, California, where Paul was an active member of Post 30 of the American Legion.
His family wishes to thank the staff and residents of the Manor on Market Square in Reading for their support.
A memorial service is being planned for this coming spring or summer.
The family asks that donations in Paul Harnar’s memory be sent to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Suite 800, 30 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Gifts can be directed to MS Research or services for MS patients.
For information about a memorial service later this year, individuals may email Paul’s son Michael Harnar at [email protected].
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