The Life of Harvey D. Kolodner
Harvey D. Kolodner died of Covid 19 on December 27, 2020 at age 69. He was a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and is survived by his dear wife Elinore O’Neill Kolodner, daughter Elizabeth DiPietrantonio, son in law Paul, granddaughter Lucy, sister Amy Juffe (the late Melvin), sister in law Anne McCormick, brother in law Joseph O’Neill (Eileen), brother in law Thomas O’Neill and loving nieces Lori McCormick and Andrea Casabianca (Gus) and nephews Michael McCormick, Wayne Drueding, Scott Juffe, Michael Medeiros and Kevin Medeiros (Cary). Harvey was particularly fond of his great nieces and nephew, his “Units”, Emily McCormick, Sarah Drueding, E., Ava and Olivia McCormick, and Ava and Sal Casabianca.
Harvey graduated from Overbrook High and the University of Pennsylvania and earned his MBA from Drexel University. Prior to his retirement from his own firm, Kolodner2, he was the CEO and Managing Partner of a local architectural and planning firm, Kise Straw and Kolodner. He served on the Board of Germantown Cricket Club for several years including serving as President. He enjoyed many years as a member of the Sproat table and 12:30 table at the Union League before retiring.
Harvey was an enthusiastic ham radio operator with call sign WA3GTL from the age of 15. He participated in several local radio clubs and was particularly interested in emergency preparedness and in introducing young people to the hobby.
Each summer since 1980 Harvey spent two weeks at Eagle Camp in Vermont, enjoying reading, fishing, chatting and avoiding the frigid water of Lake Champlain. He loved his family, his country, his friends. He was quick witted, funny and kind and left most people he met with a smile.
Harvey was preceded in death by his son Matthew J. Kolodner, loving parents Gladys and Raymond Kolodner, parents in law Joseph and Elinore O’Neill, son in law Bart Bitterman and niece Kristen Drueding. Contributions in Harvey’s memory may be made to the Eagle Camp Memorial Fund, 505 West Shore Rd, South Hero VT 05486 or National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 12221 Merit Drive, Suite 1950, Dallas TX 75251.
Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 819 E. Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128, Monday January 4th at 11 a.m. Interment immediately following at Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken, PA.
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Filter Harvey D. Kolodner's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2020.12.29
Loss of a great friend
A friend who had no limits on what he would do for you and the master of the spontaneous pun.
2020.12.29
A loving husband and father
Harvey was a loving husband and father with a quick wit and sense of humor. I could always expect that Harvey had a unique prespective on every situation. Elinore and Lizzy showered him with their devotion.
2020.12.29
A Good Friend
Harvey was a good friend. When he joined GCC, he dug in to serve as Treasurer and then President. When I was job hunting years ago, he took time to network with me. I never forget things like this.
2020.12.29
My music
I have some special memories of my cousin Harvey even though we spoke only once in a while.
I remember very well times with him as I grew up in Phila. at my grandparents home in Winfield.
My most special memory is probably one of my most important memories in my life since I have been so lucky to appreciate the art of music in so many ways. I was introduced to a very different kind of music back in 1969 when Harvey played TOMMY for me in his room. I still remember his record player in the corner of his room. My introduction and concept of music was never the same.
That moment in time is ingrained in me, that small space in time but a very large memory.
Rob, 🎶🎶🎶r
2020.12.29
Dry humor
I have known Harvey for many years as a member of Germantown Cricket Club and as my friend Elinore's husband. I alway found him to be in a great mood and loved his unique way he kept track of nieces and nephews, as " units". He adored his daughter, Lizzie and her husband and daughter. My heart is so sad at his death. Rest In Peace, Harvey. Nancy & John Petro
2020.12.30
Two Peas in a Pod
Elinore and Harvey were like two peas in a pod. They were never apart, except for work. It was rare to be in her office for any length of time when Harvey did not call. They are one of those rare couples whose love is for life and beyond. Karen Zeitz, longtime colleague and former suite-mate of Elinore
2020.12.30
Kept Us Smiling
We knew Harvey, Elinore and Lizzie as "neighbors" at Eagle Camp; their cabin was next to ours so we got to see and talk to them a lot. Harvey always had something humorous to say and had a fun perspective on almost every subject. We were right at the edge of Lake Champlain and the water was usually cold. Harvey humorously proposed that the government build a nuclear power plant in the lake so the waste water would warm up the lake for us. Harvey was a catalyst. We talked about every subject under the sun and Harvey loved to take a stance that would stir things up so that led to lively conversations. We haven't seen Harvey in decades but it's still accurate to say we will miss him - but we do have our memories from Camp. Bill & Linda Rothman
2020.12.30
The Last Laugh
That arched eyebrow says it all. Harvey was ever ready with a fast quip or sharp observation, brilliantly composed, well timed and delivered. When I was a student at Penn, I worked for Gladys at the Faculty Club, but Harv wanted to give me a "real" job at Kise Straw and Kolodner to add to my resume. The rub was getting there. Since this was before GPS existed, he gave me driving directions from West Philly to Center City that landed me at the Zoo! He had a big laugh on me that day- and for months after.
He has been taken way too soon. We're so sorry Elinore, Amy, Lizzy and all the rest of the family. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you - The Mossman girls, Hilary and Andi
2020.12.30
Dory’s Lament
We are heart broken by Harvey’s passing. We have known the Kolodners for over 30 yrs since our children Lizzy & Ryan met at GCC camp & became fast friends. Our older daughter Sharon would babysit and quickly adopted Lizzy as her little sister and they are still very close and call each other “sisters” today.
Harvey loved when Elinore and I had our Ballet evenings. My husband Tom would drop me off at ballet with Elinore and he would meet Harvey at the Capital Grill for dinner. This was Harvey’s way of enjoying the “ballet”.
Even though we retired to Arizona 8 years ago, we talked with Elinore and Harvey almost every Saturday. Each conversation always ended with a joke or laugh. Harvey always made you smile!
My favorite memory of Harvey was when Sharon made plane reservations for a trip, the airline assigned a random travel character to your itinerary. I got assigned Dory, the forgetful fish. She said to tell Harvey immediately. I got such a joyful/jolly laugh from Harvey and thereafter I had a new nickname: Dory.
With deepest sympathy to Elinore, Lizzy, Paul, Lucy & Family.
Love, Harvey’s Dory (Annamarie) and the Hines family, Tom, Sharon, Ryan & Stephanie
2020.12.30
Our Gang
We will miss you forever and the way you made us all laugh so hard in every picture!
2020.12.31
Vermont
I only got to see my uncle Harvey a few times in a year but those were amazing times filled with non-stop laughter and jokes. He was a great man and I'm really going to miss taking pictures of sunsets and getting excited to show it to him. I really hope he's in a better spot now -written by a teenager
2020.12.31
Units
I remember him calling me Unit 5 and we had Units,Me and my cousin(Lucy) made up a greeting
2021.01.01
Never Forgotten
From Nephew B,
Uncle Harv, you are missed. I'm grateful for the memories of our weekly dinners at the Park House with Grandmom and Grandpop. You and GP trading quick witted jabs in our familial way. I hope to hold onto the sound of your HA-HA for years.
Aunt El & Lizzy, thank you for sharing him with us. Love you!!
2021.01.01
Keep on the sunny side
Without you we are not whole but I promise we will keep our eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole.
2021.01.01
Walt Hunter
A warm, loving man, who freely shared his kindess with his family and all fortunate to be his friends. With his sharp mind, and equally sharp sense of humor, every conversation with Harvey brightened my day, always. He was, quite simply, a great guy who treasured his loved ones and deeply enjoyed every moment of his life. Miss you, my friend.
2021.01.02
KSK Alum
So very sorry to hear of Harvey's passing. Sending heartfelt condolences to the Kolodner family. Suzanna Barucco
2021.01.03
A Cheerleader for Love
I am heartbroken that we have lost this wonderful light in the world. I will always remember Harvey as a kind, caring, and extremely witty guy that cared deeply not only for his wife and daughter, but also Lizzy's friends. Early on in my relationship with my now husband, Doug, Lizzy often shared that her parents really liked Doug and once that we were their new favorite couple! This warmed my heart. Having Harvey's approval meant so much to me. Soon after we were engaged, I visited Lizzy and her parents at Eagle Camp and Harvey inspected the diamond and told me about the jewelers in his family and that it was a truly exceptional diamond. PHEW!! I will miss him dearly but will never forget him <3
2021.01.04
Kolodner & Hines Story
Harvey:
The Kolodner and Hines families have been linked together for decades with a very special relationship between everyone. When I was a child, we shared many memories, a great deal of them at Germantown Cricket Club and the swim team at the YMCA minutes from the Kolodner house in Roxborough. But two stand out for me personally.
My father and mother (Tom & Annamarie) and Harvey and Elinore developed a ritual of “going to the ballet," while Lizzy and I would stay home and watch a movie until they got back. Well, Elinore and Annamarie would go to the ballet, while Harvey and Tom went to dinner at the Capital Grille across the street! One night, Lizzy and I watched the movie “Event Horizon” and had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Our parents came back to two frightened children hiding underneath blankets anxiously awaiting their arrival. Harvey did what he does best and consoled both of us, and used his dry sense of humor to make us both laugh.
Harvey was well known for his great sense of humor, but also would do anything for his family or anyone within his inner circle. He went out of his way to graciously hand-pick an authentic pink-pearl necklace, with a unique magnetic backing, on one of his many trips to China for me to give to my soon-to-be wife Stephanie as a Christmas present.
We are deeply saddened, and utterly heart-broken by this tremendous loss. Our heart goes out to Elinore, Lizzy, Paul, Lucy and the entire family.
Love,
Ryan and Stephanie Hines
2021.01.04
My other dad
Harvey had the kindest heart. He cared for me and always thought about me. I wear the ring he designed for me on one of his trips to China all the time. I think of him when I wear it and remember his thoughtfulness.
2021.01.04
Kolodner & Hines Memory
Harvey:
The Kolodner and Hines families have been linked together for decades with a very special relationship between everyone. When I was a child, we shared many memories, a great deal of them at Germantown Cricket Club and the swim team at the YMCA minutes from the Kolodner house in Roxborough. But two stand out for me personally.
My father and mother (Tom & Annamarie) and Harvey and Elinore developed a ritual of “going to the ballet," while Lizzy and I would stay home and watch a movie until they got back. Well, Elinore and Annamarie would go to the ballet, while Harvey and Tom went to dinner at the Capital Grille across the street! One night, Lizzy and I watched the movie “Event Horizon” and had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Our parents came back to two frightened children hiding underneath blankets anxiously awaiting their arrival. Harvey did what he does best and consoled both of us, and used his dry sense of humor to make us both laugh.
Harvey was well known for his great sense of humor, but also would do anything for his family or anyone within his inner circle. He went out of his way to graciously hand-pick an authentic pink-pearl necklace, with a unique magnetic backing, on one of his many trips to China for me to give to my soon-to-be wife Stephanie as a Christmas present.
We are deeply saddened, and utterly heart-broken by this tremendous loss. Our heart goes out to Elinore, Lizzy, Paul, Lucy and the entire family.
Love,
Ryan and Stephanie Hines
2021.01.04
Harvey Built Relationships
Harvey built relationships. We met in 1963, 7th grade at Beeber. Harvey called every day to plan our activities, and bonded with Andy Benson and me into a threesome that held tight through Overbrook High (where my late brother Ken ushered Harvey into the Ham Radio Club), Penn, and into us each happily marrying and having families. Wishing I’d kept in closer touch in recent years, Harvey’s memory inspires me now to be a more relaxed and happy presence with those around me.
With deepest sympathy to Elinore, Lizzy, Paul, and Amy,
Love, Elliott and Diane Bubis, and Alana, Moshe, and Sammy Molcho
2021.01.04
Dear Friend
The Koldners and Murasko/Blanks first met when Lizzy and Cessa started daycare. That led to a lasting friendship between the families. We will miss Harvey greatly and he will remain in our hearts forever.
2021.01.04
Eagle Camp
We have been neighbors at Eagle Camp for decades and our time there, especially week#4 will not be the same. We already miss stopping by the porch, hearing the weather report, latest Phillie's score and dry, quick humor. Wad-widdee! Love, Chris and Bob
2021.01.04
Eulogy
My Father Harvey David Kolodner was someone to be admired. He was a unique character with a dry sense of humor that could make anyone smile and to know him was to love him.
Today, I am supposed to speak to you about his relationship with God, faith and the Catholic Church and it’s something I’ve reflected on a lot in these past few weeks.
My father was somewhat of a contrarian always questioning the rules. He was born and raised Jewish making his bar mitzvah but he converted to Catholicism later in life. If I recall correctly he was asked not to return Hebrew school for misbehaving ...typical of my Dad. My parents got married in the Catholic Church with a Rabbi and a Priest under a chuppah in 1976 . I was raised Catholic but we celebrated both religions and we still continued to celebrate both sets of holidays with Jewish family throughout his life.
When my father decided to convert, I remember thinking it must be a mid -life crisis and also I was annoyed that I went to ccd for so many years and he received 3 sacraments in a day. When I asked about the choice he simply said it had to do with Jesus .
I stated thinking recently was Jesus present in my Dad’s life and actions and in what ways?
My Mother Elinore and father met at age 18 and 19 respectively at the University of Pennsylvania in the library and he was the most devoted husband and father. They were together for 50 years and married for 44. When he heard stories of people straying from marriage his famous line was “why would you want two women telling you what to do”...he had extremely strong morals and sense of family. Family to him included not only blood ...myself, mother, husband Paul his granddaughter Lucy, his wonderful siblings on both sides since my Moms siblings became his... and nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and cousins but also fictive kin meaning friends who are family.
There was a Good Samaritan within my father. For a man who would joke he was antisocial he was forever helping and connecting people. Once my Dad met you, if he felt you had a problem he could solve, he would do anything to be of assistance. I can’t tell you how many people have reached out to me and said my Dad gave them their first job or helped them make an important choice. If someone was in need of a job and there wasn’t one open at his firm he would create one or place someone who was in need of work with a friend. He was always connecting people giving little bits of advise that would lead them to do better. He saw the potential in others and worked hard to help them extract it. People sought out his counsel and went to him as a sounding board. This is true for his nieces, nephews, any friend he met, friends children, friends of mine, friends of friends and random strangers. He would do anything to help people in life. If there was a rule that was in their way he would try to change it. My Dad always treated everyone the same way. He may tease you with his dry sense of humor but he told me often never to judge someone or treat them badly based on something out of their control and it’s a lesson he lived by.
I could tell you more about his accomplishments his Ivy League degree, his MBA , his international travel in business, but he wouldn’t want me to. My dad was nothing if not humble. His firm lead a major archeological dig for the National constitution center and he was In charge of the operation and when people asked during that time what he did for a living he would look at them straight in the eyes and say “I dig up bodies” gleefully waiting for their reaction
Through humor, love and commitment to family, remaining humble, service to others before himself, and refusing to just except the status quo my father exemplified Jesus’s teachings within his own life. I think now I understand his faith. Not a day will go by that we won’t miss him here on earth but we know he is with God.
2021.01.07
Ham Radio -- WA3GTL
Harvey was a member of Phil-Mont Mobile Radio, Philadelphia Digital Radio Asso and the Holmsburg Club. Always pleasant to work with and funny at times... usually got a chuckle. We will really miss the man. Life may be shorter than you think; invest time in family, friends and hobbies you like. Mark Hinkel WA3QVU