Harry Edward Fear

One can't help but reflect on his remarkable life as a husband, father and a man.

He lived a truly wonderful life, particularly considering where he started. Born and raised during the great depression in a small town in upstate New York, any semblance of a normal childhood was quickly taken away when he entered the Army at the age of 18 and was sent to Italy to fight in World War II. Although reluctant to speak of those days, we do know that he entertained the troops with a popular radio show broadcast across Europe and was also part of the last battle fought before VE Day.

Upon completion of the war, he returned home and found a job as a bellman at a local hotel that launched a 50-year career in the hotel business. As a Vice President and General Manager, he crisscrossed the country managing upscale hotels and resorts. Armed with his quick wit and effusive personality, he rubbed elbows with celebrities, politicians and sports stars on a regular basis.

While his hotel career was certainly formidable, it was his post retirement work that was even more impressive. Using his well honed hospitality skills, he transitioned to volunteer work for St. Jude Church in Boca Raton, FL in the mid 1990’s. There he organized numerous fundraising events for the church raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for their outreach programs.

Upon relocating to Charlotte in 2010, he became active in the Knights of Columbus, an organization he had been a part of since 1947. With his leadership, he began organizing special events for the Knights with the net proceeds benefiting Knights charities. He was the recipient of the Golden Knight of the Year Award.

Additionally, he volunteered at the Charlotte Airport USO welcoming veterans. He was recently honored at halftime of the Carolina Panthers Football game for his many hours of USO service.

Harry was married to his loving wife, Ethel, for 72 years and together they raised four children: David, Kathleen, Michael, and Kelly.

His legacy in the hotel business lives on through his children and grandchildren who followed in his hotel career footsteps.

His passion for life and serving others along with his commitment to his faith and family will be long remembered.

He will be missed.

Children: Kathleen Fear, Michael (Melanie) Fear, Kelly Baggett

Grandchildren: Kelsey Fear, Kaitlin Fear, Shay Baggett, Karly Fear, Patrick Baggett

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the David Fear '70 Scholarship Endowment at Loyola Academy 1100 Laramie Ave Wilmette, IL 60091 (847) 920-2428.

or on-line: http://www.goramblers.myschoolapp.com/page/giving/scholarship