Harvey Edward Redak
1938 - 2017
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Bob Impelluso - homosassa, FL - friend posted a condolence
Sunday, October 15, 2017
harvey and i were close back in the early sixties when he first got a houseboat.
we had many good times on the river with our many friends, and girls, girls, girls.
we lost track of each other soon after that, but got close back in the CRRR days
and singing/drinking/laughing at the essex marina. i have thought of him often in
the subsequent years. i regret not staying close to him through the years. he was a
fine river-rat/sailor/fun-loving sort of guy. his passing to the big river in the sky saddens me.
J
Jenny Swadosh - Brooklyn, NY posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Our family belonged to Congregation Beth Shalom and one couldn't think of the congregation without "Mr. Redak" and vice versa. I last saw him at my beloved father's funeral, where his presence brought comfort to our family. Justine and the entire Redak family, may his memory be a blessing to you.
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Peter Scholes - Vero Beach, FL - Friend posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
A very special Taps to you Harvey. My condolences Justine. The man could blow a horn. Thanks for your service with the Antique Veteran's Honor Guard.
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Martha Rumskas{Nielsen] - Friend posted a condolence
Monday, June 5, 2017
Harvey knew me as Martha Nielsen. He delivered my sail boat to Bermuda in the early 70's. We became fast friends for years. I had not seen him lately, but he never left my thoughts. God bless and keep him. My blessings to his family. I also knew his brother and parents. The world is a sadder place without him.
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Dolores Darling Stein - Enfield,, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Saturday, June 3, 2017
We had a lot of fun on his house boat, he had a wonderful personality loved life to the fullest, I had not seen him for quite a few years he came to pay respects when my husband passed. A lot of people relatives asked who was that very Handsome Man that was 15 years ago, I will always remember what a pleasant man he was may he rest in peace.
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Dolores Darling Stein - Enfie;d, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Saturday, June 3, 2017
When we were younger we had a lot of fun & parties on his houseboat, I remember vising him . When my husband passed away he came to pay respects, I had not seen him for years, I will always remember good times we had and that wonderful personality & smile of his. may he rest in peace...
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Joanna Roemhild posted a condolence
Saturday, June 3, 2017
I was always deeply touched to hear Harvey play taps at the Memorial day parade ceremony in Deep River over the years. We will miss the sound of his soul for trumpet.....
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Don and Caroline Nordquist - Mt. Pleasant, SC - friend posted a condolence
Friday, June 2, 2017
2 June 2017<br /><br />Dear Justine,<br />Harvey was one of the most joyous people we have ever known -- always with a smile and a warm word. He generously shared his ebullient love of life with those of us fortunate enough to be counted as friends. Don will fondly remember him as a staunch music compatriot. We're both grateful to have had him and you in our lives. Much love, Don and Caroline
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A friend posted a condolence
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Those weekends on the houseboat were among the most influential times in my life - and all because of Harvey. His joyous love of life, of caring for people, of dealing with the unexpected as we cruised - or tried to cruise - up and down the river were instrumental in creating at atmosphere of happiness and delight which affected our work and relationships for years afterwards. Justine, I know these last few years have been very, very difficult ones. Although you don't know me, please accept my deepest sympathy, and thank you sincerely for your love and caring for this remarkable man who was a strong influence on me and many other people during the sixties in NYC. Sally Shaw, Corvallis, Oregon
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gabe pace - Stuart, FL posted a condolence
Thursday, June 1, 2017
I am saddened by the loss of one of my dearest friends that I have known. My memories of Harv started during our school years together and there were some great ones including our trek to Queens to visit Harv's uncle the Rabbi. Of course McNally Auclair and I had to "fake" that we were Jewish to pass muster with the Rabbi.<br />It was fine except McNally's red Irish face was the give away that blew our cover.<br />After our school years we lost touch for many years until one day while visiting Essex, CT I went down to the CT River and heard music. I walked in and to my amazement, there was Harv playing his horn. Well that reunion was very wonderful. As years went buy I was finally fortunate to renew our friendship and met lovely Justine a few years ago in FL and we remained in touch to the present in FL and CT.<br />I was so blessed and honored to have known Harv who was of the most wonderful person that I have ever known. Intelligent/warm/helpful/kind are just a few words that do not do enough justice to describe him. <br />So for the past seven decades our friendship was always present . I will miss him dearly and remember him always. <br />My deepest sympathies go out to Justine and family.<br />gabe<br /><br />.<br />
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(-=< Ray Hamilton >=-) - New London, CT posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Dear Justine, Daniel, and the entire circle of Harvey's family n' friends,
We have mutual friends in Vic and Suzy Fetter; Vic and I are coworkers. Vic knows I have this bereavement ministry, which I share with friends in some small attempt to mitigate their grief through memory, grief that is painful, but necessary. Indulge it; it is the price we pay for this lost love, but, too, the measure of that love's impact on our lives.
Understanding the hole left behind, regardless the inevitability or forewarning, pray this helps some wee bit to allow and enable that grief! So truly sorry to hear about Harvey. The loss of such a vital presence: husband, brother, friend affects so many of us. At least now he's at peace with our Lord; definitely keepin' y'all in my prayers!
When my mother died, even after a years-long battle with cancer, I was shattered by the lossinconsolableshe was my mentor! I like to think that I got my character from my father, but my mind and its capacity from m'dear sainted mother!!! BUT, "If your faith assures you she's in heaven, then what are the tears all about?!?" I hold eternity dearly close...a cherished, hard-won prize...but, in the interim, that answer lies below.
SELFISH TEARS
(I Eulogize My Beloved Mother - March, 1989)
Today we cry...must admit they're selfish tears.
You see...our faith assures your journey's done.
But it's not for you we mourn, at all, my dear;
It's for those of us you've left behind...alone!!!
We share your joy...share your happiness at rest,
Your painful fears now for forever stilled.
You've fought the good fight, passed the final test,
But you've left behind a hole that can't be filled!!!
So, until we each rejoin you some someday,
And, while your memory buoys us through those years,
We'll miss you...but continue on our way,
And, from time to time, we'll cry our selfish tears!!!
Ray Hamilton (c) March 19, 1989
Sincerest condolences and prayers,
J
Jonathan Hyman - San Anselmo, CA posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
I was lucky enough to meet and know Harvey through the Esty Family and others when I lived in Chester. A truly beautiful man, on a recent visit(after a ten year gap) dropped in on him and his wife in their Chester home and was greeted like I had never been gone. Never, ever was there a negative air around Harvey. He will be missed for the good heart he brought to every occasion
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Barbara Welz - Higganum, CT - friend posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
So sorry to hear that Harvey has passed on. A talented, man, who loved life, and lived it to its fullest. The world has lost an exceptional man. My condolences to his family and loved ones. I remember his boathouse, his musical talents, and his fascination for airplanes. Rest in peace, Harvey. You will be missed by many.
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Louise Cutler - Henderson, NV posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Thanks for sharing this celebration of his life. I am a cousin that lives in Henderson NV now. Never knew the great things he did in his life. I was not lucky enough too. I knew him as the Park Ranger at Chatfield. Thank you. Rest in peace. My heart goes out to you Justin and to Danny. Love. Peace. Louise Lipkin Cutler.
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Laurie Blair - Chester, CT posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Such sad news to hear. Our family all liked Harvey (in fact I don't know anyone who didn't). One of a kind and a good guy. A big loss.
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Duane and Mary Hendricks - Houston, TX posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Justine,
We just learned of Harvey's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Harvey was a unique human being. He brought joy to so many people's lives. We had the privilege of getting to know and love him, his parents and his brothers, Danny and Howie, when we lived in Hartford in the 1960's. He was best man at our wedding. We rode from the church to the wedding reception in Harvey's bright red convertible. We spent many happy, fun filled weekends on his infamous houseboat. The fond memories we made during that time continue still. He will be sorely missed.
C
Christine Arnold - Ridgefield, CT - friend posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Dear Justine,<br />I feel so much for you right now and don't have the right words. Harvey played such a large part in my growing up...I wish for you peace and love.<br />
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Nancy & Alan Wasley - Southington, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Justine, we are very sorry for your loss and sorry we never had the opportunity to meet you. Harvey was a great friend of the Wasley family. He often came to to the Essex Yacht Club to visit the Wasley family on their various sailboats and play the trumpet with Justin Wasley, or he played alone when Jut gave up his various musical instruments. Alan and I will be married 50 years on July 15th. We arrived at the Essex Yacht Club on the 16th to board the Cal 40 for our honeymoon only to discover that someone had painted the mast with words "Just Married". We weren't on the boat very long when Harvey showed up in his "caftan", carrying a gift, laughing and said he hoped we liked his handiwork!! Our gift was a pair of pewter wine glasses with our wedding date engraved on them. Alan introduced Harvey to me as Harvey Houseboat. He would stop by often to have a cocktail or 2 when he knew we would be on the boat. Harvey was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed by many.
S
Stewart Shaw - San Diego, CA posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
With a mighty blast on the conch from the fore stay and a hearty "Wine for me men, and a bonny lassie for me lackey, we're off on the morning tide and bound for the Great Tortuga". It has been a great trip! All all us old houseboaters bid you " farewell". You will be remembered with story after story and always with love.
T
Tony Barri - old lyme, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Judging from his obituary,this area has lost an outstanding citizen with the passing of Harvey Redak. On a more personal level,I have known Harvey for the past 30 years as a fellow musician in several jazz bands and as a patient in my ophthalmology practice. Harvey was talented, upbeat, charming, interesting, and intelligent (Someone told me he was a mensa). He pursued excellence in everything from playing the trumpet to dealing with his health problems, and he usually succeeded. In short, this guy was a force! I will miss seeing him at the office. My heart goes out to his wonderful wife, Justine, and his family.
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Stew Gillmor - Higganum, CT posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Dear Redak Family;
I played in jazz groups with Harvey for a number of years. For 5 or 6 of those years in the 1990s Harvey and I wore those white tennis striped pants, blue blazers and two-toned shoes, or else tuxes for our performances at dances, alumni reunions, festivals,and concerts at Yale (the Yale Bowl as well as Yale Chapel), Conn College, Wesleyan, on TV in Hartford, and on numerous town greens with the ten-piece Nutmeg-Foxtrot Jazz Orchestra I led from the piano.
I'll always remember those happy times.
Stew Gillmor
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Karen Thomas - Lyme, CT posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Harvey was such an upbeat, optimistic person and inspiration to all who had the great fortune to know him. He made the world a better place.
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Charles Farrow - Friend posted a condolence
Monday, May 29, 2017
Dear Redak Family and Friends--
I went to high school with Howie when he was the absolute star of Hall's 1963 class. Later I met Harvey in Chester and at Chatfield Hollow. I taught at District #17 and we spent many hours at the old mill site just west of the park. Harvey was a great guy. His obit says it all. Much love to you all.
Charlie
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paul zazzaro - Hartford, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
It has been several years since I spoke to Harvey but my memories of his friendship when we both lived in Essex are warm and memorable. My condolences to Harvey's family and his spirit will remain vibrant.
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fran pjinney - chester, CT - friend posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Dear Justine<br /> as i watch the memorial day celebration from DC they just played"taps"..<br />how i forget Harvey playing for Fred just 5 1/2 years ago.... now they're sharing heavenly joy. <br />i knew him as one of the kindest most loving, compassionate souls God ever created. i was so happy that he found you to share his life.<br />i didnt sed him often in later years nut i never doubted his friendship or his love.<br />i so sorry for your loss. <br />im sending love and prayers for your comfort and preace.<br />fran phinney & family
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Roni & Leslie Rottner - Bloomfield, CT posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Harvey's positive outlook and the loving care you gave him these past difficult years will never be forgotten by all who knew you. May he Rest In Peace, and may the wonderful memories sustain you.
With Love and Sympathy,
Roni & Les Rottner
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Gary Bertman - New London, CT posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Words can not express the loss we all feel for the passing of Harvey. The world is a bit Dimmer without his shinning soul to share with us. His angelic spirit flys hi above us all. He leaves fond memories for those of us blessed to have known him. May G-D bless you on your flight into the sunset and your family comforted in this time of loss.
We shall raise a glass in silent toast to Our brother Harvey.
S
Sybil Nassau - Old Saybrook, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Tears flowing, there are so many memories going back to high school- the band, the orchestra, the shows; then the boat house and those crazy years. It was always Harvey and his golden trumpet that could be heard above the din and his hundreds of friends and acquaintances who followed his storied career from the service til he landed on the shore where he had grown up. He will be missed and talked about for years to come. With deepest sympathy to Justine, Danny and Howard;and to the other guys in the klezmer band. Who will play taps for him? May he rest in peace and those of us who remain be comforted by memories of happier days.
L
Louise Cutler - Henderson, NV posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Dear Justine:
I did not know all the great things my cousin did in his great life. I only remember him being the Park Ranger at Chatfield. I certainly missed a lot by not knowing that side of the family better.
Bruce and I and our sons, Josh and Jon, send our love.
love to you and Danny.
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Bill Mortensen posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
I only knew Harvey as a customer from where I used to work but he was a truly wonderful person. He cared about everyone and was just someone you would want to have as a friend. I am proud to say that Harvey was my friend. Justine, my condolences to you. Harvey will be in my thoughts.
c
caryn Reno - Bloomfield, CT - Family Friend posted a condolence
Sunday, May 28, 2017
We are so sad. We were friends since Jr. High School. He was so talented, smart, good natured, handsome and charming. Good time memories.
We will miss him. Love, the Reno family
Dick, Sybil, Lauren, Caryn & Marc
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Betsy Macmillan - Deep River, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Justine - I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed, and feel honored to have been able to play taps with Harvey. I am scheduled to play taps four times this weekend, and I will be thinking of him every second I play.
K
Ken Rizzio - Ct posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Justine our deepest condolences. We will miss Harvey dearly. Donna and Ken Rizzio
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Elliott & Elissa Donn - Windsor, CT - Friend posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Dear Justine,
We are so very saddened to learn of Harvey's passing. We want to offer our sincerest condolences to you at this very sad time.
We have known each other for so many years, and have such special memories of his participation in Jewish War Veterans activities, especially his rendering of "TAPS" at so many funerals and ceremonies. He never said "no" when asked. Harvey was a class act.
We wish we could join you on Tuesday, but have 2 medical appointments, back to back, at the VA which will preclude that.
Our lives are so much richer for having known him, and we will miss him deeply. May his memory be for a blessing, and may he rest in peace.
P
Patricia McDonald Davis - Bloomfield - Friend posted a condolence
Friday, May 26, 2017
To my dear friend Justine I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Harvey. I remember so well when the @courtship began. I pray that you will always hold fondly the love and the memories you shared. With sympathy and love.
j
john bailey - Family Friend posted a condolence
Friday, May 26, 2017
To Justine and everyone who knew Harvey Redak. Harvey was a friend for 50 years. Harvey was one of my best pilots back in the Waterford Airport days and was loved and respected all over the land. In 1970 I traveled to Hawaii on vacation. A fellow traveler from NYC who heard me talk about CT asked; "do you know Harvey Houseboat"? That was how famous and important Harvey was. Rest in peace my good friend.
John Bailey
- 34 Main St | PO Box 105 | Centerbrook, CT | 06409 | (860) 767-8000
www.rwwfh1894@gmail.com