Harry W. Hepworth Sr.

Harry W. Hepworth Sr., 82, of Laurence Harbor, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife on Saturday, June 4, 2022.  Harry was born on July 26, 1939, in East Orange, New Jersey, and grew up in East Orange and Irvington.  Harry raised his children in Hackettstown, New Jersey.  In 1998, Harry met his beloved wife, Sonni, and they started their life together in South Orange, New Jersey.  On May 1, 2004, Harry and Sonni were married and settled in Laurence Harbor, where they remained to present day.  For the last 16 years they were snowbirds, traveling to Florida during the cold New Jersey winter months; 12 of those years they spent in Miami.

Harry started his career as Manager at the Hackettstown Gazette for 20 years.  He then moved on to work at the Star Ledger, where he held the title of Production Director for 26 plus years, before his retirement.  Harry was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he worked on Submarines and was honorably discharged in March of 1963.  In Harry’s spare time, he enjoyed hunting, was an avid book reader and fisherman, and loved to go for daily walks.  Harry adored traveling with his wife, Sonni, especially to the Islands and Mexico, which were his favorite places to visit.  They also spent time visiting Europe, traveling to places like Italy and Greece.  Above all else, "Something about Harry", Harry was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who did life his way!   He was loved and liked by everyone who’s life he encountered.  It was his easy-going manner, seasoned with an abundance of humor that drew people to him.   He was selfless in every aspect of supporting his loved ones and friends in their times of need.  Of course, I’m not going to mention his faults we all have those!  ; )   “So Let’s Toast  Him Up! 

He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Edith Hepworth, his daughter, Lorraine Mersh and her husband, John Mersh, his siblings, Raymond Hepworth, Bobby Hepworth, and Geraldine Hepworth, his stepson, Jerry P. Wilkins, and his ex- wife and mother of his children, Fran Hepworth.

Harry is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 18 years, Deborah J. “Sonni” Brown-Hepworth, his loving children, Guy D. Hepworth and his wife, Corrine L., Harry W. “Ross” Hepworth Jr., and Matthew D. Hepworth, his treasured stepson, George C. Wilkins III, his dear sister, Carol Cetrulo, his cherished grandchildren, Sarah and her husband, Dan, Todd and his wife, Katie, Kayla, Travis, Megan, Ryan, and Braden, and his adored great granddaughter, Morgan.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing and visitation on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM and 4:00 to 6:30 PM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  Services for Harry, which will include words of encouragement for the family, scripture readings, prayers, and life reflections will take place during the hours of 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the funeral home. Sonni will be hosting a brunch Thursday 12:30 to 3:30 PM at the Bridge Pointe Community Club House, 1 Alexandria Parkway, Laurence Harbor, New Jersey 08879.  In respect of Harry’s wishes, he will be cremated surrounded by his family and a few close friends on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Rosehill Crematory in Linden, New Jersey.   For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

A loving message from Harry’s wife, Sonni:

Harry you were the most consistent human being in my life.  Everywhere I turned you were there.  You are my people and I am yours!  Life without your physical presence will be the second hardest parts of my life journey.  But knowing you surrender your life to Jesus Christ and you’re resting in His Eternal Presence as will I at His calling, gives me a peace and joy that I can hold dear in my heart.  I will miss you deeply my love as I cling to provisional comfort that only Jesus can give me, along with surroundings and support of family and friends! 

                                Forever Your People- Sonni

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