Harvey Forrest Halfen Jr.

Harvey Forrest Halfen, Jr. of Bear, Delaware/Earleville, MD passed away on May 10, 2024 at the age of 90. Harvey was born May 31,1933 in Richardson Park to the late Lillian and Harvey Halfen, Sr. He was a 1952 graduate of Conrad High School where he met his future wife, Dorothy Proud as well as many lifelong friends. While at Conrad he played on their football, basketball and of course baseball teams, and was voted “most talkative” in his senior class. Harvey was a lifelong fan of the Phillies, even in the worst of seasons. This passion led Harvey and his wife to buy a 2nd home in Florida close to the Phillies’ winter home, thus allowing Harvey to enjoy many an afternoon at the Phillies spring training camp. While he didn’t always remember birthdays or anniversaries, he never forgot ANY baseball stats or when the next Phillies game was being played. One of his favorite quotes was “I won’t forget anything I can remember.” He shared his love of baseball by coaching many young men in little league and Babe Ruth Baseball leagues. In 1970 he organized and created the Stanton/Newport Little League. And in 1975 he managed the DE State 14–15-year-old Babe Ruth Allstars who went as far as the finals in Pine Bluff, Arkansas but split their series with 2 wins and 2 losses. From 1952 to 1954 Harvey served as a Corporal in the Army and was stationed in Heilbronn, Germany. One of the more “dangerous” missions assigned to Harvey during his time in Germany was to coach fellow soldiers in volleyball. Upon his discharge from the military, Harvey and Dorothy were married and in his ever-romantic fashion, he took his new bride to Washington, DC for their honeymoon to see the Eagles play the Redskins. Harvey worked as a lab tech for 30 years at duPont, and in 1985 chose to enjoy retired life as early as possible. He took great pride in the last 39 years bragging that he’d officially been retired longer than he had worked. He also enjoyed fantasy football, watching thoroughbred racing at Delaware Park and playing poker with his friends at Crystal Beach, MD. He would proudly proclaim to his doctors (and anyone who would listen) that he never had an alcoholic drink, a cigarette, or a cup of coffee in his life. He did, however, enjoy a bowl of ice cream almost every night! He was an easy-going guy who knew many people in Delaware and surrounding areas. His grandchildren would often say “Pop Pop, you know someone wherever we go.” Those who grew up around him will also remember his frequent expression of “My Nerves.” Harvey will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and no doubt will be playing baseball on his field of dreams with heaven’s all-stars and discussing this season’s strengths and opportunities for the Phillies! In addition to his parents, Harvey is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Proud Halfen, brother, Charles Halfen, and grandson, Lucas Jester. Harvey is survived by his daughters: Karen Jester of Landenberg, PA and Kimberly Crumlish (Michael, deceased) of Bear, DE; son, Kenneth Halfen (Lori) of Earleville, MD; sisters: Elaine Szafranski and Gerri Halfen; grandchildren: Nicholas, Hayley, Steven, Krystal, Stephanie, Chelsea, Michael, Jennifer, and Kirsten; as well as 21 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, May 20 from 10 to 11:30 AM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702. A service in celebration of Harvey’s life will follow at 11:30 AM. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the baseball program that Harvey founded over 50 years ago, the Stanton-Newport Little League, PO Box 3048, Wilmington, DE 19804. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Harvey Forrest Halfen Jr.

May 31, 1933 - May 10, 2024

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