Born January 26, 1929 in Manhattan N.Y to Harry and Alice Agnew, both immigrants, the former from Scotland and the latter from Sweden. He was the first of three children. Harry Nathaniel did not have the benefits of today's social programs when tragedy strikes. Left without a father image at a young age, in poor health, and meager means, Harry left home after 8th grade to live on a "dude ranch" in Wyoming. An introvert by admission but a fighter by inheritance. Self-educated, an avid reader and hard worker, he joined the U.S Army at age 18.
Harry, always resourceful, settled in Palm Beach County area to work for over 60 years as a bellman, for the renowned Boca Raton Hotel and Club living on his minimum wages, but investing all of his tips. He never owned a T.V, microwave oven, cell phone, or computer. He was very health conscious nutritionally (fresh and raw) but never exercised, dressed impeccably, and could quote from hundreds of books that he had read. As a boy, I remember my Uncle polishing the grill of his 1956 Buick with a natural bristle toothbrush. He also gave me powdered Tiger's milk to drink. Wanting to please as a good nephew, I drank the "stuff" but it was nasty.
Harry was a kind and generous man, who supported many causes and missions over the years. While settling in Palm Beach County, he reunited with his estranged father, Harry, "Red" Agnew, Sr. and took care of him in many ways. A "zero population" book was given for each of his nephews / nieces along with a generous check at their weddings, it produced the opposite effect however as he was "great" Uncle more than 20 times over. He was a faithful, hard worker for the same employer until his 90th birthday.
My uncle Harry, along with his long-handwritten letters, stamps and calendars, will be missed on this side of heaven. He wanted to make it to 100 but fell a few years short. Departed Feb 21st 2021, Age 92.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held Thursday, April 1, 2021, 10am at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL.
Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com
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