RIP HARRY MODER (1926 - 2014) QV lost a great man. Was my dads boy scout leader, and my earth science teacher in 109, and in charge of the American Legion band I played in. Also good friends of my grandparents... - Brian Folmer Harvey E. Moder was born on September 7, 1926. He was a life-long resident of Queens Village, NY, living for many years next door to the house in which he grew up. He attended the local school, P.S. 33, and went on to successful studies at Brooklyn Technical High School. In 1944, he entered the U.S. Navy, studying engineering in the elite V-12 program at Union College and Brown University. From 1946 to 1951, he worked as a Safety Engineer for American Surety Company. In 1951, he began a long career as a New York City Firefighter, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1972. Harvey Moder was a deep believer in the value of education, studying at Hofstra University, while still working full-time. His commitment and perseverance led to his completion of a B.A. in Geology-Biology in 1966, an M.S. in Secondary Science Education in 1968 and a Professional Diploma in Educational Administration in 1975. Between 1966 and1972, he taught science at Linden Junior High School, Hillcrest High School, and Queens Village Junior High School. For two years, he served as an Administrative Assistant and Summer School Principal at Uniondale High School. He was an innovative and dedicated teacher, devising new curricula in areas like weather and photography to make science relevant to students of all levels and backgrounds. He demonstrated an abiding commitment to his students and a strong belief in affording opportunities to students of diverse backgrounds, voluntarily offering numerous tutoring sessions, field trips, and after-school opportunities. Harvey Moder was also a dedicated community servant. He served the Boy Scouts of America for over forty years, receiving the Scoutmasters Key, Explorers Key, and the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service. He was President of the Queens-Braddock Civic Association for 6 years and served on a number of community boards, including the Eastern Queens Civic Council, the Eastern Queens Inter-racial Cooperative, and the NYC Coalition for Fairness to Veterans. He was also active in his church, serving as a Deacon and Elder at the Queens Reformed Church and later as a member of the Church on the Hill in Flushing. Harvey Moder was a stalwart supporter of veterans and an active leader in the American Legion. He served as the Commander of Queens Village Post 301 for four years, as Queens County Adjutant for eleven years, and rose to the positions of Queens County Commander, Tenth District Commander, Department Sergeant-at arms and Department Education Chairman, and Department Vice Commander. He also served as the President of both the Queens and the National American Legion Press Associations. Combining his interests in youth and veterans affairs, in 1980 he founded the Queens Village Youth Marching Band, a dedicated group of young people, who for nearly 20 years performed to acclaim at community and veterans events. When the non-profit group disbanded in 1999, they continued the commitment to educational opportunity by donating their remaining funds to scholarships for the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Harvey Moder was a warm and generous family man. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Mary; three daughters, Susan, Sally Ann, and Carol; four grandchildren, Kristin, Matthew, Andrew and Nora; and two great grandchildren, Adrienne and Grant. He died in his home on December 1, 2014. Visitation took place at the funeral home on Sunday, December 7th, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Collation 9am at The Church on the Hill 167-07 35 Ave. Flushing, New York. Service at the church 10am. Interment to follow at Nassau Knolls Cemetery, Port Washington, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harveys name to: The Church on the Hill (COTH) Food for Kids Fund 167-07 35th Ave. Flushing, NY 11358.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 06:32:42 +0000
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