Paul F. Harte, 96, Scranton, passed away Sunday in the Regional Hospital of Scranton after being stricken ill.
Born 1927 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Joseph and Irene Phillips Harte and was educated in Scranton schools. He was a devoted and faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Church. Paul had been employed for 38 years by the Consolidated Molding Company and during his time there he served as the vice-president of the IAM Machinist Union. After his time at Consolidated Molding, he worked for 15 years at Penn Security Bank and Weston Field.
Paul was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan and loved traveling to Fenway Park to watch his beloved Red Sox. His love of baseball was also evident by his participation in the Wayne County Hardball League where he played pitcher and third base along with being a PIAA baseball and softball umpire. He also bowled in the Times-Tribune Bowling League. He served as president of the Eagles Club. He will be remembered for his joking ways, love of travel, and his loyalty to his family and friends.
Surviving are his niece Marilee Sweeney and her husband James; nephew Michael Flaherty and his wife Ruth; great nieces Tara Sweeney, Ashley and Madison Harte, Kate and Colleen Flaherty; great nephews Michael Sweeney and his wife Cait, Joseph Harte and his wife Amanda, Jason Harte, Mac and Liam Flaherty; great great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Harte and his wife Dorothy; sister Marion Flaherty and her husband Jerome; nephews Joseph and Jerome Harte; his companion of 69 years was Midge Kropa.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave. Scranton by Msgr. Dale Rupert.
Friends may call morning from 10am until time of Mass in the church.
Interment, Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore.
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.
To share a fond memory or to express your sincere condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Ron Tansits
Sincere condolences from Charles Tansits and family. Paul and his brother Joe were friends of my Dad growing up on East Mountain in the 1930’s.
James Dougherty
On behalf of the Dougherty family I would like to express our thoughts and prayers for you family, as you go through this most difficult time!
Al Klansek, Greater Phoenix, AZ
Paulie and I officiated many High Shool and amateur league baseball and softball games over the d3cades. It ways fun to work with him. I never heard him raise his voice when a coach or player questioned a call he had made during a game.
Paulie and I officiated many of High Scholl snd amateur league baseball/softball games over the many decades I was living in NEPA. One always came away feeling a little better about that time when we worked together.
If a coach or player arguedna call that Paul had made, Paulie, being hard of hearing later in his officiating career, explained what he saw, and if the argument persisted after a reasonable time, would turn off his hearing aid and resume the game. It always brought a smile or a grin or a laugh from those who witnessed it. It was always an enjoyment to work a game with him.
Paul I know that you are bringing smiles and laughter in your new period of life as you did here on earth.
My condolences to his family and you can rest assured that he is making where he is at no1 a better place,
Al Klansek, Greater Phoenix AZ
Paulie, enjoy your new eternal life and I know that you are bringing as much humor and