Obituary for Harvey Gurney Kolb
Harvey Gurney Kolb, of Accident, MD, passed away on April 2, 2022, at UPMC Western Maryland, Cumberland, MD, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 1, 1927 in Accident, Gurney—as he was known to many--was the son of the late Clarence and Cora (Georg) Kolb and the younger brother of the late Richard and Clark Kolb. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lois (Beachy) Kolb, daughter, Ruth Ann (Chuck, deceased) Hahn, of Accident, son, Darl Kolb (Joline Francoeur), of Auckland, New Zealand, son, Glen (Lori) Kolb, of Frederick and daughter, Rita (Wayne) Fitzwater, of Swanton; granddaughters Carrie Hahn, Amanda Hahn Hefner (Ray Hefner, Jr.), Accident, Lori (Ryan) Smith, and Anet Harris, Mtn. Lake Park; great-grandchildren, Hailey Harris, Madelyne, Rayden, Amya and Cora Hefner, and Abigail Smith.
Harvey served in the United States Navy from 1948-1952 on the USS Putnam (destroyer) and the USS Leyte (carrier) during the Korean conflict and was a proud veteran with over 50 years in the American Legion, Post #208, Accident. He visited 17 countries during his time in the service and learned a range of trades as a ‘machinist mate,’ which served him well when he set up his own appliance service business.
With his constant learning and natural understanding of how things work, ‘Ace’ -- as he was known to his customers – was a resourceful and reliable repairman of appliances throughout the tri-state area. He worked for Fratz’s, Bausch and Lomb and Naylors, before founding Ace Appliance Repair and became a local legend for his technical abilities and service ethic. More than one Thanksgiving or Christmas morning saw him going out to thaw frozen pipes or fix a stove for a customer’s holiday feast. His interest in engineering led him to experiment with new technologies. He put electric solar panels on the family home in 1974. When personal computers came along in the 1980s, he was an early adopter. In recent years, his trusty iPad and Facebook became constant companions.
Retiring at the age of 81, Gurney took up another challenge, which was learning to sew and making over 2,000 quilt blanket tops for church mission programs, a record that will be hard to surpass. Gurney’s quick, dry wit endured through the very end of his life. Family and friends will cherish his sense of humor along with his serious side. Harvey served his country, but he also served the land as a farmer, hunter and someone interested in nature; he served his family by devoting so much of his life to a loving wife and to his children, grand-children and great-grandchildren, who love and cherish their ‘PapPap.’ He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who look up to him as a role model. His humility, patience and tenacity will no doubt inspire others who knew him.
Friends will be received at the Newman Funeral Homes, P.A., 179 Miller St., Grantsville, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the Zion Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Benjamin Hertel officiating. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Zion Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by Accident Post 208, American Legion.
Memorial donations may be made to: Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 171, Accident, MD 21520, office@zionaccident.com.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.newmanfuneralhomes.com.
Harvey served in the United States Navy from 1948-1952 on the USS Putnam (destroyer) and the USS Leyte (carrier) during the Korean conflict and was a proud veteran with over 50 years in the American Legion, Post #208, Accident. He visited 17 countries during his time in the service and learned a range of trades as a ‘machinist mate,’ which served him well when he set up his own appliance service business.
With his constant learning and natural understanding of how things work, ‘Ace’ -- as he was known to his customers – was a resourceful and reliable repairman of appliances throughout the tri-state area. He worked for Fratz’s, Bausch and Lomb and Naylors, before founding Ace Appliance Repair and became a local legend for his technical abilities and service ethic. More than one Thanksgiving or Christmas morning saw him going out to thaw frozen pipes or fix a stove for a customer’s holiday feast. His interest in engineering led him to experiment with new technologies. He put electric solar panels on the family home in 1974. When personal computers came along in the 1980s, he was an early adopter. In recent years, his trusty iPad and Facebook became constant companions.
Retiring at the age of 81, Gurney took up another challenge, which was learning to sew and making over 2,000 quilt blanket tops for church mission programs, a record that will be hard to surpass. Gurney’s quick, dry wit endured through the very end of his life. Family and friends will cherish his sense of humor along with his serious side. Harvey served his country, but he also served the land as a farmer, hunter and someone interested in nature; he served his family by devoting so much of his life to a loving wife and to his children, grand-children and great-grandchildren, who love and cherish their ‘PapPap.’ He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who look up to him as a role model. His humility, patience and tenacity will no doubt inspire others who knew him.
Friends will be received at the Newman Funeral Homes, P.A., 179 Miller St., Grantsville, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the Zion Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Benjamin Hertel officiating. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Zion Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by Accident Post 208, American Legion.
Memorial donations may be made to: Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 171, Accident, MD 21520, office@zionaccident.com.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.newmanfuneralhomes.com.