Harry F. Loeser

Harry F. Loeser, of Cranford, NJ, died peacefully at his home on December 10, 2019. He was 98 years old. Harry was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ. His parents, both descendants of German immigrants, were originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut. The family was active in the Second Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth. Harry graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School of Elizabeth in 1939. He worked part time as a carpenter while attending college, and obtained a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Newark College of Engineering (NCE) and a Masters degree from University of Connecticut. During world war II, he served in the army, as part of the Central Europe Rhineland campaign during the years 1945 to 1946.

He was married in 1953 and moved to Cranford, NJ, where he and his wife Mary raised their family. He was employed as a civil engineer by Becker Construction of Newark, NJ, and later by Damon G. Douglas Construction of Cranford. He taught an evening class at NCE for many years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, where he served terms as Deacon and Trustee.

He enjoyed physical fitness activities, and rode his bicycle to work on occasion. Under his own initiative, he began running on a regular basis during the 1960s, several years before running would became a popular fitness activity with the general public. He enjoyed hiking and experiencing the outdoors. Summer vacations were spent camping with the family, visiting sites up and down the east coast, the mid west, and Canada. One of his favorite trips was to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks.


During his retirement he took many trips with his wife, sister in law, and two brothers in law. He always enjoyed phone calls and visits from his nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was a fan of Sudoku puzzles. Throughout his married life, he was a dedicated husband and father, supporting his daughter during her entire adult life, and faithfully visiting his wife every afternoon for three years while she was confined to an assisted living facility.

Harry was predeceased by his wife Mary (Mogileff), to whom he was married for65 years, sister Bertha (Posbergh), and daughter June. He is survived by 3 sons (Carl, Neil, Eric), 3 Grandchildren (Peter, Laura (Culp), Abigail), and 4 great grandchildren. Viewing will be Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 5 pm, and funeral will be Monday, Dec. 16 at 11 am, at Gray Funeral Home of Cranford, NJ.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 11 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016.