Mr. Harry J. Enea, Sr., of 305 S. Washington St., beloved husband of Lucy (Covouto) Enea, former Herkimer Mayor, Police Judge and Trustee, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 23, 2005 in Valley Health Services, Herkimer, due to failing health over the past 5 years. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by his loving family. Harry was born on Feb. 2, 1915 in Portland Maine, a son of the late Julius and Angelina (Annutto) Enea. The Enea family consisting of Harry, his parents and his two brothers, Ascanio and Thomas, came to Herkimer from Maine in 1926. He attended local schools and graduated from high school in 1934. In 1940, he married his one and only love, Lucy Covouto of Dolgeville, a blessed and loving union of 65 years. Their marriage was truly a work in progress. They combined their love, dedication and hard work to make their family what it is today. Harry would always make sure that his wife, children and grandchildren were well provided for even in the difficult times. Mr. Enea was blessed with his wife's attentiveness and presence every day, even up to the day of his passing. The couple enjoyed many wonderful times dancing and conversing with their friends at social gatherings. Jobs were scarce and college impossible to attend because of hard times, Harry joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC's) at an early age. He went on to serve his country proudly with the United States Navy, enlisting in 1944. He earned the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and a Victory Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in 1946. In the Navy, Harry formed many friendships and he kept in touch with many of his fellow service men even in his later years. While in the Navy, he found the graves of local residents who were killed in action and also found the grave of his brother in law, Vincent Covouto who was killed at a young age while serving his country. He served overseas in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, and took part in the campaigns of Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Japan. Upon his return from Naval Service in 1946 and before the advent of grocery store's, he converted a school bus and operated a grocery business known as "Harry's Mobile Market" where he served the grocery needs of rural communities throughout Herkimer County for 14 years. Upon returning from service in the Navy, Harry immediately became active in politics and at the Village of Herkimer Republican Caucus. In February of 1946, he received the nomination of the Republican Party to run for Trustee of the Village of Herkimer and was elected to that post serving until 1950. During his years of service as Villlage Trustee, he was a strong promoting force in the Hydraulic Canal fencing project, which saved lives of children, as a number had drowned due to the lack of fences. He also was instrumental in the expansion of the Herkimer Playground System, the return of tennis courts at South Field and the Basloe Field Playground Project and the program for systematically paving the remaining dirt roads and streets within the village limits. In 1947, Harry received singular recognition in promoting various measures to the best interest of the community and was designated by the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Herkimer as Outstanding Young Man in Herkimer County for that year. He owned and operated Enea's Maytag Laundry on South Washington Street in Herkimer for many years. He was very proud of his noteworthy success with the business and retired as owner after several years of dedicated service. Although he didn't smoke, many of his customers will remember him for a non lit cigarette hanging out of his mouth as he fixed a machine or two and told one of his famous jokes. Harry was well-known in educational circles in Herkimer County and surrounding areas. For 14 years, until July of 1968 he was a member of the Herkimer Central School District Board of Education having successfully won four elections. During his tenure on the board, he served as president for two terms. He also served two terms as president of the Herkimer County School Board Association. A proud veteran, Harry along with George Sennett and the Cumm brothers were instrumental in beginning a VFW Post in Herkimer. In 1954, he was cited for his community efforts when he was chosen "Man of the Year" for his work with children. For many years, Harry was extremely active in attempting to initiate a vocational education program for Herkimer County. Harry served for nearly eight years as Village Justice in Herkimer, having attended training programs and seminars relating to the Justice Courts at Syracuse, Albany, Fredonia, Binghamton and St. Lawrence University Law Schools. He also attended many other law courses in the advancement of the operation of his justice court. He was proud to be a featured speaker along with Daniel C. Shaughnessy, Jr., at the Association of Towns Conference held on Feb. 17, 1976 in New York City for the New York State Magistrates Association. The highlight of his political career came when he was elected as Mayor of the Village of Herkimer in March of 1975, serving the position until April of 1977. He served several times as president of the St. Anthony Crusaders and commander of the American Legion Post #38, commander of the VFW Michael S. Pliseck Post #4915 and chairman of Public Relations on the Herkimer Memorial Hospital Board of Managers. Harry selflessly gave of his time and talents to numerous organizations and causes. Her served as a member of the Herkimer County BOCES Board of Education from 1965 until 1975 and again from April of 1984 until his retirement. He was a member of the Federal Relations Board, serving as a representative for all school boards in the congressional district. He also was extremely active with the Herkimer seniors where he was president at one time and served as president of the Herkimer County Chapter of AARP. Harry was reelected for his efforts on behalf of the Senior Citizens of Herkimer County as Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year. He also has served as president of the Herkimer County Citizens Lobby. He put forth much time and effort to make sure there were things to do and activities to look forward to for the seniors. He was active with converting Tuger School into a Senior Citizen Apt. Complex and use of the gymnasium into an activity and social community center for all senior citizens of the county area. Through the gift of Mr. Robert Castle, a local business leader in giving the building free of charge and the efforts of Assembly Anthony Casale in obtaining the funds, the complex became a reality. Harry was a member of Loyal Order of Moose, Ilion Lodge #1010, a member of the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc., Life Member of the Herkimer County Historical Society, past member of the Herkimer Knights of Columbus, past member of the Herkimer Elk's Lodge #1439 and a member of the Herkimer County and New York State Magistrates Association and the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club. Harry was a loving husband, and father whose family was his foremost priority. He considered his children and grandchildren to be a true and living success story. He loved the Italian traditions and customs, which had always been a part of his family life. Some of his most memorable times were around Christmas time when the family would gather to celebrate time-honored ways, which were so important to him. The smile on his face would show the joy that he was feeling being surrounded by his loved ones. Harry had a "one of a kind" sense of humor and was never afraid to share a joke with anyone he came into contact with. In his later years he enjoyed visiting with his friends in the local nursing homes and just enjoying time on his front porch. Many people will remember his "dog" joke and his "pride and joy" joke. His outgoing and gregarious personality served as a fine example and legacy for his family to carry on for generations to come. He leaves his loving wife of 65 years, Lucy of Herkimer, five beloved children, Julia "Judy" Mroz and husband Bill, Lucille Enea, Barbara Cacciatore and husband Joe, Harry J. Enea, Jr. and wife Sheila, and Vincent A. Enea and wife Elaine; a brother Ascanio "Bing" Enea, thirteen cherished grandchildren, Harry J. Enea, III and wife Kim, Joseph Cacciatore and Amy of Ilion, Brian Mroz and wife Mary, Kristin Coleman and husband Mick, Sean Cacciatore and wife Jennifer, Karlee Tamburro and husband Joe, Kevin E. Enea and wife Kristy, Jason Cacciatore and Brandy, Andrew Enea and Darcie, Vincent Enea, Daniel J. Enea, Elyse Enea and Anthony Enea; numerous adored great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, inlaws including Lovisa Enea of Frankfort, and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Enea and by a sister in law Grace (Maneen) Enea. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street between Ilion and Frankfort, (894-8000) on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 from 1-3 and 6-9 p.m. Harry's funeral will commence at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, Feb. 26 from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered. Funeral procession will follow to Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main St., Herkimer where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 am by the Rev. Anthony Ligato, Pastor. He will be laid to rest this spring in Calvary Cemetery in the family plot. Kindly consider contributions in his memory to Valley Health Services, Herkimer; the Dollars for Scholars Program care of BOCES of Herkimer County; American Red Cross, Mohawk Valley Chapter or to the Mohawk Valley United Way; donations may be made at the funeral home and envelopes are also available. The Village of Herkimer senior citizens will gather at the funeral home on friday at 2:00 p.m. to pay their respects, the Herkimer American Legion Post #38 will gather at the Enea Family Funeral Home on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. to conduct their service. Members of the Herkimer VFW will gather at the funeral home at 7 p.m. and members of the Ilion Moose Lodge #1010 are asked to gather at 7:45 p.m. Those needing a ride to the funeral home may contact the Holleran & Enea Family Funeral Home at 866-1011 who is handling funeral arrangements. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.