Obituary of Harvey E. Marlar

Harvey Elwood Marlar, 84, of Rome, passed away in Seekonk, Massachusetts on December 17, 2023, after courageously battling cancer for more than two and half years.    

Elwood, as he was known to family and friends in his home state of Virginia, was born on December 30, 1938, to Harvey and Louise (née Hudson) Marlar at home in Max Meadows, Virginia.  He was fond of sharing stories about his childhood and youth spent in Virginia, regaling listeners with tales of happy times spent at his grandparents’ farm in Kentucky, singlehandedly catching his father’s swarm of bees as a young boy, going to school in a one room schoolhouse and hunting for skunks and racoons, the pelts of which he would later sell.  In his heart, Elwood was always a country boy from the hills of Southwest Virginia.

As a young man, Harv, as he was known to many, joined the U.S. Air Force, in which he served “six years, eleven months and three days.” A proud Air Force veteran, Harv would often share stories of those formative years, which would open doors to other adventures, including a tour in Frobisher Bay, Canada and work in Shemya, Alaska and Mildenhall, England.  Later in life, he would talk happily (and for hours!) about his time in the Air Force and his wonderful adventures.  He maintained a special affection for England, to which he returned many times. 

After leaving the Air Force, Harv had a long, successful career with the Federal Aviation Administration.  He retired as the Facility Manager of Starr Hill long-range radar site in Steuben, NY.  Harv took much pride in his work with the FAA and would, until the very end of his life, recommend an FAA career.     

Harv spent many happy years in Rome, his adopted hometown   and enjoyed many good times at The Savoy and Coalyard Charlie’s. If you were looking for Harv, you might find him under a car in need of repair, puttering in his basement or jogging (at breakneck speed) on Walnut Street.  He was always quick to lend a helping hand and always had a bit of advice for anyone he met.  Harv was much loved and will be deeply missed by many.  Godspeed to him as he embarks on what he described as the “last great adventure.”               

Harvey is survived by his loving wife of more than sixty years, Mary Elizabeth (née Goetz); his beloved children, Randy (Phyllis), Sandra, Stephen (Kim), Robert (Theresa), Andrea, and Tricia (Rickie); 18 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a sister Margaret McHone (Franklin), brother-in-law Winslow Goetz (Mila), sister-in-law Joan Goetz (Jerrold), and brother-in-law Charles Goetz (Kathleen); and many nieces and nephews.  He was pre-deceased by his parents, Harvey and Louise; sisters, Lois Stevenson (Jonathan) and Leetha Mabe (Harold); in-laws, J. Cletus and Doris Goetz, Jerrold Goetz (Joan) and Mila Goetz (Winslow); grandson, Austin Stuart Janney; and great-grandson, David Michael Swift.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Fain Cancer Center and Hope Health Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and support. 

Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 11 AM to 1 PM.  A service will follow the calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Rome, NY, or a charity of your choice. 

Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.