Byron "Bud" W. Harnishfeger, Jr.

On the evening of June 24, 2021, Byron “Bud” W. Harnishfeger, Jr. passed away peacefully at Sheperd of the Valley Liberty, at the young age of 90.

Bud was born to Byron W. and Thelma Schry Harnishfeger, Sr. on February 20, 1931. He graduated from Boardman High School in 1949. Bud then joined the Navy and on January 24, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Bernice C. Wittenauer. After they married, he was stationed in Tacoma, Washington, where they made their home.

While in the Navy during the Korean War, Bud made multiple trips across the Pacific to Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines. After receiving on Honorable discharge, they returned to the Youngstown area where they remained to raise their family of five children.

Upon their return, Bud was employed by United Engineering and Foundry Company, as a crane operator. He ultimately was promoted to tool and die specialist and then advance into management until his retirement in 1993.

Bud enjoyed many years of Boy Scouting starting when he was a young boy. Through the years he continued through the ranks, and as scout master he assisted in forming Troop 115, at St. Michael’s Parish in Canfield.

He organized and lead, an area group of scouts to backpack at Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He continued in scouting as an adult and earned his Woodbadge award and was later awarded “The Silver Beaver” one of scouting’s highest honors.

Bud enjoyed traveling with Bernice and other family members, enjoying many-many cruises and an anniversary trip to Ireland. He enjoyed camping and backpacking and took great pride in the fact that he and Bernice had traveled to all 50 states.

Among other interests he gave countless hours to St. Michael’s Parish through Men’s Club and scouting. Bud chaperoned two trips to England with the Canfield High School handball teams. He was also a member of the American Legion and Saxon club.

Bud will be missed by his loving daughters, Denise Harnishfeger Sedgwick of Hubbard, Phyllis (Michael) Manning of West Lake Village, CA., Agnes (Jeffrey) Schauer of Ashburn Va. and a son Byron W. (Beth) Harnishfeger, III of Boardman, his grandchildren, Jennifer (Patrick) O’Brien of Fort Mill, SC., Byron (Fiance Charity) Harnishfeger IV, of Youngstown, Joan Marie Schauer of Brea CA., Tyler (Taylor) Schauer of Sebring, Stephanie (Blake) Novotny of Hubbard, Karlie (Tyler) LaFollette of Ashburn, VA., Karl, and Kelsea Harnishfeger both of Boardman. He also leaves brother-in law Joseph Wittenauer of Dayton, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, a niece and nephew.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Bernice C. Harnishfeger, his son Karl E. Harnishfeger, his granddaughter Adele L. Harnishfeger, brother and sister -in-law, William, and Mary Jo Wittenauer and his son-in-law Kevin Sedgwick.

Family and friends may call from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday July 24, 2021, at St. Michael Church 300 N. Broad St. Canfield, Ohio followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Terry Hazel.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman, Ohio.

Family and friends of Byron may Visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and leave condolences for the Harnishfeger family. 

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