Henry H. Huber 5/16/1925 – 10/23/2017
Henry Harrison Huber, aged 92, passed away while he slept at his home along the shore of the Susquehanna River. With only a few absences, he was a life-long Columbia resident. Henry was the son of the late A. Etter Huber, Sr. and Elizabeth (Copeland) Huber. He was predeceased by brothers David C. Huber who was killed during WWII at Leyte, Philippines and A. Etter Huber, Jr. and by sisters Cora M. Rineer and Grace E. Manual. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Karen L. Huber and his grandson, Christopher S. Huber. He will be deeply missed by those who survive him; his sons Paul R. Huber (Conestoga), Jeffery A. Huber (Rochester, NY), his daughter Debby Huber Wells (Leola), his sister Miriam E. Freeland (Columbia). Also surviving are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, friends, fellow Elks, enlisted and retired Navy Hospital Corpsman and all the others who had the pleasure of getting to know him.
Henry’s part-time job during High School was as an usher at the State Theatre in Columbia. After graduation, Henry began his active duty with the Navy on July 20, 1943. He served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class attached to the 22 nd Marine Regiment in WWII. After returning home in 1946, he was recalled in 1950 for the Korean War. He received many accolades for his service (American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, and Navy Occupation Service Medal – among others). He was honorably discharged from the Navy on October 23, 1951. He then joined the United States Coast Guard (Reserves) and retired from his service to our United States of America after a total of 32 years, 8 months and 18 days.
Upon returning home from WWII, he began his plumbing career with Harry A. Ressler Plumbing and Heating in Mountville. He then joined the Local 520 – Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Henry worked on many different construction sites over the years. He spent more than 7 years working at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant and had assignments at Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant, Brunner Island Power Station and even worked a couple of years at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in New Hampshire.
Henry was a past exalted ruler and loyal member of the Columbia Middletown BPOE Lodge 1074, the VFW, the American Legion, and a life member of the Foresters of America.
He’d like to give a special ‘shout out’ and a big ‘THANK YOU’ to all those kind folks who warmly thanked him for his service and secretly paid for his breakfast over the years; it meant so much to him!
Henry left us pretty specific instructions. No viewing and he wanted to be cremated and buried at a private interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. It will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Henry’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.