Harold A. Gennaria, age 92, of Barto, PA, passed away peacefully,

surrounded by his family, at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, PA, on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

            Born July 10, 1924, in Phoenixville, PA, to Henry and Edna Gennaria, Harold served during World War II in the European Theatre with special amphibious forces of the U.S. Navy. He participated in the invasion of Normandy and Southern France on a "rocket ship," bombarding the beach with rockets ahead of the first wave of landing craft.

            Harold will be especially remembered for his lifelong devotion to the needs of veterans and their families. After discharge from the Navy in 1946, Harold became active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as Commander of Post #7155 of Montgomery County and the 16th District Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., with various appointments to the Department of Pennsylvania and National Organization.

            For over 30 years, Harold was a member of the State Service and Rehabilitation Committee of the VFW. He was a certified Post Service Officer and Jurat Officer. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 184, Palm.

            Harold served as Director of Veterans Affairs of Montgomery County for 26 years, retiring in 1991. He was a past president of the State Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs and served for over 30 years as a member at large of the PA State Veterans Commission, with seven years as Chairman. Harold also traveled extensively throughout the state as a Hearing Officer for veteran appeals.

            He was the recipient of the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal and the Pennsylvania Meritorious Medal. In November 2002, Harold was inducted into the Southeastern Veterans' Center Hall of Fame, honored for his extraordinary service to our nation, the community, and to comrades subsequent to military service.  

            Harold was a member of Perkiomen Lodge #595, F&AM Masonic Lodge, and the Lehigh Consistory, Valley of Allentown.

            Harold was preceded in death by his son Aviner, daughter Elaine, brothers Harvey and Robert, sister Doris, first wife Amy, and "Lucky."

            Harold is survived by his beloved wife Lois, sons Rev. Jerome (Helen); Henry (Sharon); John (Anne); step-children Joan Sikora, Jim Laky (Tina), Susan Bayer, and Beth Janis; sister Irene (Joseph), and sister-in-law Caroline, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great- and great-great grandchildren.

            For many years, Harold was a member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in Collegeville.

            Per Harold's wishes, service and burial are private.

            Memorial contributions may be made to:Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 532 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426.