BEVERLY: Henry “Hank” Harmeling, 92, World War II veteran and College Professor, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 10, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Hanson) Harmeling. This extraordinary man lived life earnestly, ethically, creatively, and with unending devotion and loyalty to his country, family, and friends.
The son of Henry Harmeling, a lawyer and judge in the U.S. Army, and Ida Trompen Harmeling, Hank was born in Junction City, Kansas on February 6, 1920. His family lived in Washington State, Washington, DC and Hawaii. He entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1938 at the age of 18. Upon graduation in 1942, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry. He was promoted in a short period of time, became an Infantry Company Commander and was deployed directly to the European Theater of World War II. Shortly after landing, his regiment proceeded to the Ardennes Forest near the German-Netherlands border. They bore the brunt of a surprise attack known as the “Battle of the Bulge”. During a blinding blizzard, his company was surrounded and they were given orders to surrender. Hank and his surviving soldiers were taken as Prisoners of War (POW) by the Germans. Thus began a harrowing POW experience, which included American and British raids with bombs falling next to the German trains, carrying the POWs. He escaped his captors before finally being rescued by American Forces. His calm demeanor and courage as a POW were later praised.
He returned to the U.S. in May, 1945 at the end of the war. In 1952 he served a combat role in the Korean War. His life from then on was enormously blessed. He successfully completed an army career of 20 years, and earned a Master’s Degree in mathematics at Florida State University, graduating with honors. He then started a second career as a college math professor. As a founding member of North Shore Community College (NSCC) in Beverly, he taught math and pottery for 26 years. He reviewed math textbooks for Addison Wesley and other publishers and managed the NSCC bookstore for many years. Academic Dean Paul Frydrych said of him, “Professor Harmeling was extremely proud to be a founding faculty member at North Shore Community College in 1965. His priorities were always his family, teaching mathematics, and many other projects at NSCC. He epitomized the spirit of the college in its formative years, and greatly contributed to its mission for 26 years of his professional life.”
Hank continued to enjoy a wide range of activities and hobbies after retiring from NSCC in 1991. He was an accomplished and enthusiastic potter, gardener, singer, and guitar player. He loved playing bridge and enjoyed a wide range of literature from novels and poetry to history and biography. He believed in physical fitness and stayed in shape playing racquetball, handball, tennis and golf. He also loved fishing and swimming with his grandchildren. He left behind an Ethical Will which he thought was more important than his official will.
In addition to his wife of seventy years, Patricia, he is survived by a loving family: seven children, Hope Harmeling Benne of Beverly, Henry “Dutch” Harmeling of San Diego, CA, John Harmeling of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Mark Harmeling of N. Reading, Peter Harmeling of N. Reading, Laurie Harmeling McDonough of Beverly, and Susan Harmeling of Washington D.C.; seventeen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Jane Harmeling McPherson of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother, John Harmeling.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 16th at the Grondin Funeral Home, 376 Cabot Street, Beverly from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. His memorial service will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Red Cross, 139 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02142. Interment will be privately held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.