Harold John Vandersea

Harry was a diehard Red Sox fan. He loved to share the story of watching Ted Williams play in 1947. He continued to follow the team, keeping up with stats even while his overall memory declined. We only witnessed my father get teary eyed once and it was the day the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series.

Harry was not verbally demonstrative with his emotions. He expressed his love through his actions. Even well into his 80's, Harry flew up to Connecticut annually to do projects for his beloved sister Mary. At age 88, he could be found ripping up carpeting in one of his son John's condo flips.

Harry was also very generous to his community. He served on his HOA board for many years. Harry also donated blood on a regular basis. Because he was a universal donor, he gave as often as possible over a 30 year period. It is estimated that his donations saved over 500 lives.

Harry was born in Whitinsville, MA to the late John and Dorothy Deane Vandersea. After high school he left Whitinsville to attend West Point Military Academy. He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Engineering. He carried out his military commitment in the Korean Conflict as an officer in the artillery division. After serving his country Harry spent his entire 33 year career at Pratt & Whitney as a Test Engineer and a Manager.

In 1962, Harry married the love of his life, Miriam "Mimi" Downton. Together they literally built their own colonial home with the help of family and friends. They raised two sons, John and Mark, in Connecticut and then Florida after Harry was transferred by Pratt & Whitney in 1976. Retirement did not slow Harry down. He worked for the St Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium for 25 years.

Harry is survived by his sons, John (Danielle) Vandersea, Mark (Jen) Vandersea; his grandson, Evan Vandersea; his sisters, Nancy Rehberg and Brenda (Hallett) Wright and many nieces and nephews.

Harry is predeceased by his wife, Miriam Vandersea; his brother, John Vandersea and his wife Ann; his sisters, Mary Vandersea, Thelma Meader and husband Phillip and Grace Osgood and her husband Neil and a brother-in-law, Conrad Rehberg.

Harry requested that no public services be held. The family asks that you honor him in your own way. Perhaps by attending a baseball game. A family service will be held, at a later date, in Connecticut. Memorial donations may be made to TrustBridge Hospice Foundation 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407-9926