At every stage of life, Harry Adwar happily contributed to a greater whole: his family, his community and his country.
Adwar died in his Florida home on Feb. 20 of ongoing medical problems. He was 88.
Adwar, also known as “Happy Harry,” was a big personality in Merrick, often found with his bright suits, hearty laugh and wide smile.
Adwar was born on March 10, 1937 on the lower east side of Manhattan. He was the 10th of 14 siblings.
In early adulthood, Adwar served in the U.S. Army as a supply sergeant at Fort Meade in Maryland for three years, where he met his wife Judy at a country club dance, the beginnings of a 69 year relationship.
“He was a giving person,” Judy said. “It’s been a tough time… He’s at peace now.”
After his years in the army ended in 1972, Adwar spent the rest of his career working as a jewelry manufacturer through his business Adwar Casting. He retired from the position about 15 years ago, leaving his son Gregg to continue with the craft.
Throughout his career, Adwar prioritized donations to various charitable causes, including the Yemenite Jewish Federation of America, various homeless shelters and countless community groups.
“He was a true believer,” Gregg said. “If you give, you get back.”
One of Adwar’s many generous habits was providing a handmade golden Hamsa to anyone he met who was sick or expecting a child to provide spiritual protection. Adwar was a deeply devout member of the Jewish community, attending many services with his brother Sammy, who shared in many songs of worship.
Adwar and his brother, Sammy, used to sit next to each other at services. Yemenite background, sharing new songs of worship with the people of Merrick.
“He polished the silver on the Torahs for the High Holidays,” said Rabbi Ira Ebbin of the Congregation Ohav Shalom. “He took and he took pride in that, in making sure that things shined… He wanted everything to be with a sparkle and make it extra beautiful.”
At Birch School in Merrick, Adwar earned another moniker: Grandpa Harry. The partnership began when his grandsons, Justin and Taylor, entered first grade and were nervous about starting school. From there, Adwar made improving the students’ quality of life his mission by helping around the classroom, buying school supplies and encouraging kids to have fun with their friends.
Judy Gilliam, a teacher at Birch School, worked frequently with Adwar.
“When he retired, we had a little gathering with all the students that remained in the school, and they all wrote memories that they had with him,” she said. “It was very touching. He was really a positive influence.”
Merrick resident Miriam Baruch was a longtime friend of Adwar’s for over 50 years.
“He was a role model, husband and a father and a grandfather,” she said. “You never heard a word of anger or raised his voice. He would always compliment people, and he was just a very special, sweet man.”
Adwar’s funeral was held in Gutterman’s Funeral Homes in Woodbury on Feb. 25. Hundreds of Adwar’s friends, neighbors and former students attended the service and reached out to express their condolences.
Adwar spent most of his retirement living in Florida’s Highland Beach, where he had a similar impact on his community, supporting local organizations and spreading joy among his neighbors, his memory living on in the hearts of thousands across the country.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, and their three sons, Gregg, Keith and Marc, as well as four grandchildren and one great grandson.
