Harry M. Lavin
EXODUS 15:13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”
Lavin, Harry M. of Blue Bell, Pa., formerly of Philadelphia (November 30, 2020) Most loving husband of Virginia (nee Coe). Treasured father and step father to Jim Powers, Michael H. (Betty Ann) Lavin, Martin D. (Joyce) Lavin, and Donna Lavin (Mike) Spahits. He will also be dearly missed by his 8 grandchildren Julie Stevenson (Evan), Christy Lavin, Lindsay Sanders (Kevin), Lauren and Caitlin Lavin, Michael, Luke and Amanda Spahits, and his 2 great grandchildren, Chloe and Ryan Stevenson.
Harry was born in West Philadelphia in July 1929 to Harry and Catherine (nee Mc Cormick). He attended St. Francis De Sales Catholic School, and later, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Germantown. Harry graduated from North Catholic High School for Boys in 1947. He was a veteran of the US Army and a proud member of Plumbers Union Local 690 and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.
In the early years he worked with his father and his Uncle Luke, owners of Lavin Brothers Plumbing. He was the owner of Nagel-Lavin, Inc. He loved his work, enjoyed music, old movies, sports and, most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Harry was a protective force and influence. He will be remembered for his work ethic, sense of humor, loyalty and generosity.
Harry was a devoted husband who cherished his wife with a deep and abiding love calling her the love of his life. He protected her, cared for her, and loved her unconditionally. He was devoted to his beloved until his last day on this earth.
Our Dad and Pop was a loving Patriarch in every sense of the word. He took care of all of us, all of the time. He was a selfless and Christ-like man who gave so much of himself. There were so many shared experiences and adventures together. He was so much fun to be with!! His nurturing influence and unchanging love were a special gift from God and will remain within us for always.
He was a respected, admired and enterprising man in his industry for the way he conducted himself as the owner of Nagel-Lavin, Inc. A tough guy from a bygone era that overcame hardships and struggles and had no regrets. He was a fair, reasonable, and most generous man with a practical eye. He was a protective force and influence. Harry Lavin was truly a man of character and he will be greatly missed.
Harry was a frequent visitor and donator to his childhood grammar school, St. Francis deSales. He loved to make visits to St. Francis’ sanctuary to meet with Jesus. He was thrilled when he took the family to St. Francis one Good Friday just a few short years ago. The St. Francis Elementary School was near and dear to his heart and he became friends with the sisters of St. Francis.
It is most unfortunate that due to current circumstances Harry’s church service will be private. Per CDC guidelines face covers must be worn, and social distancing must be observed.
The family would like to invite relatives and friends to Harry’s interment on Monday, December 7th,
1 PM at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA 19002. Harry’s family is looking forward to honoring Harry with a Celebration of his life hopefully in spring or summer of 2021 – when circumstances allow.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Harry’s name may be made to any of the following:
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School at 917 S. 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143
The Plumbers Union Local 690 Charitable Trust at 2791 Southampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
I met Harry in the early 80’s working on Nursing homes and we continued working for nearly 40 years.
He taught me so much about the industry over the years, I’ve never met anyone so driven, whether he was full of mud in the trenches or putting together a bid with a bunch of crinkled drawings. He got it done on time and smiled and said good job kid let’s get another one.
And when he sat down in our office it was great listening to him talk about his family and his wife Virginia.
He’ll be sorely missed our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Only knew Harry from a few family gatherings but liked him and his wife so much.
If one could judge a man by his family, I would say he was a special guy who raised wonderful children from a strong family.
Will keep Harry in my prayers. God bless him and his family.
Sincerely in Christ,
Ginny A. Fries
On behalf of Garrys Plumbing,
We would like to express our most sincere sympathy and condolence to Mrs. Lavin and the Lavin family. I have known Harry for the last 35 years, and during that time he has been a mentor, business associate, confidant, and most especially a friend. Harry was a man of great of integrity, strength, dedication, and a man who stood for what was right. He was a man who loved his family and working In the business he started so long ago. The time i spent with him professionally and socially will never be forgotten. Harry has left a lasting impression on me; even though he could be tough at times, I always walked away with a little more knowledge then what I came in with. Harry was one of a kind, and will be missed but never be forgotten.
(Truly One Of The Greats)
Sincerely,
Garry Dabney
I met Virginia at a conference in Atlanta in 1982. We lived so close together that shortly after returning to PA, I was invited to her home wherein I met Harry. It was quickly shown that anyone under “Harry’s Umbrella” was well taken care of. He was interested in the happenings of all around him and would help whenever possible. He loved Virginia and his family very much and enjoyed the times they were all together. Harry was certainly one of a kind and I will miss him.
My sincere condolences to his personal and business families.