Mr. Harry J. Leber

Born in Union City, NJ Mr Leber was a lifelong resident of Union City, NJ and spent his winter months in Daytona Beach, FL.

He became owner and president of Leber Funeral Home, Union City, NJ in 1948 when his father, Henry Leber, the second owner of the business, died in a plane crash. Harry Leber managed the business until 1973, when he passed ownership and management responsibilities to his five sons.

"He was the salt of the earth," said his son Jack. "When he came into a room, he got to know the waiters and the kitchen people in the back, he did not go to the front table."

His father's proudest moment was in 1980, when he met Ronald Reagan, Jack Leber said. At the time, Leber was president of Hudson County Democrats for Reagan.

Indeed, Jack said, his father maintained a lifelong devotion to local causes and politics despite several personal setbacks, including an unsuccessful State Senate Campaign years ago.

"He couldn't get Hudson County out of his blood," Jack said.

Leber was a marine veteran of World War II, serving as a second lieutenant in the First Division. He fought at Guadal Canal, New Guinea, New Britain and the Solomon Islands. He was field promoted to sergeant and officer candidate school during the last year of the war.

Leber was a former chairman and disaster chairman of the Hudson County Chapter of the Red Cross, a former president of the Union City Board of Education, a retired board member of Hudson United Bank, Union City, NJ and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Carroll Council.

"He was superb, he was truly a fine person," said John Moore, president of New Jersey City University and a friend for more than 30 years. "In no time was there ever anyone in that area who could surpass his integrity."

Moore recalled an incident from Leber's youth when a grateful funeral home customer wanted to give him a tip, and Leber refused to take it because he was "family."

Mr Leber is survived by his wife of 58 years, Winifred (Sweeney) Leber; five sons, Jack, Bill, Bob, Dan and Jim; 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mass of Resurrection was celebrated by the Very Rev. Terrance Kristofac, C.P. on Thursday, November 21st, 2002 at 10 AM at St. Lawrence Church, Weehawken, NJ.

Interment was held in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly, NJ.