Harry J. Tafe

TROY- Harry J. Tafe, devoted father of Thomas Tafe and Tricia Tafe Williams, MD, passed away on Saturday June 4, 2011 in Troy, Pennsylvania with his daughter and son-in-law, Tricia and Evan Williams. Harry was born in St. Helena's Parish, and later was a member of St. Bede’s Parish in Philadelphia. He was the son of the late Harry C. and Regina (Mahoney) Tafe. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Patricia (Igo) Tafe, whom he married on May 13, 1961, and his brother, Joseph Tafe. Harry graduated from North Catholic High School and attended St. Charles Seminary for eight years, subsequently earning a PhD degree from Temple University. His professional career began at the local George Washington High School in Bustleton and later he became a professor of marketing and marketing research at Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences. Burlington Industries recruited Harry to a senior management position on their staff in New York. He left Burlington to accept an offer from ARA Services in Philadelphia to head the Marketing Division as the Vice President, a position he held for 25 years to retirement in 1992. Harry served as the President of the Serra Club and was an active member. Harry was an ardent sports fan, having played baseball as a catcher with the Olney Vets team. He maintained a high batting average and also became an accomplished golfer. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Tafe Morgan, his two children, Thomas and Tricia, and five grandchildren: Sophie Williams, Owen Tafe Williams, Natalie Williams, Daniel McKenney-Tafe, and Thomas Tafe. Family and friends are invited to call from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM on Thursday, June 9, 2011at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 1093 West Main St. Troy, PA. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 9th at St. John\'s Catholic Church, on the corner of Exchange and High Streets in Troy, Pennsylvania. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Way of Bradford County, PO Box 106, Towanda, PA 18848, and would be appreciated by the family.