Victor Elsberry Hardy

Reverend Victor E. Hardy sunrise September 15, 1961, and sunset March 22, 2025. Originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, he graduated from Manor High School and went on to study music and performance at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. After serving in the military, he pursued religious studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

He married the love of his life and had three sons then moved to Arizona thanks to a family friend’s willingness to help. He would work different jobs, but he would eventually find his place in the church.

From 2015 to 2025, he made history as the first African American solo officiating pastor at the Congregational Church of the Valley in Chandler, Arizona. He also became the first and only African American Executive Director of co-founder Jon McHatton’s For Our City Chandler civic group. In 2011, he co-founded Chandler Men of Action, an organization that hosted its first African American Scholarship Banquet in February 2012.

A proud veteran, he served in both the Virginia Army National Guard and active duty in the United States Air Force. His military career took him around the world, including a memorable assignment providing security for the singer Selena during the Rio de Janeiro Carnival.

Pastor Hardy was ordained September 16, 2012. He proudly served as a servant of God as the solo Pastor after serving as associate minister at Congregational Church of Valley in Chandler, Arizona in fellowship with the National Congregational Christian Church of North America. This year would have been his tenth year as their Pastor. He was devoted to his members. He loved all God’s children and steadfast to encourage them to the pathway to righteousness. He delighted in being appointed servant of God. Pastor Hardy invited the community to visit the house of God by hosting various community events and allowing other community groups to use the church for their events. He reconnected the church with some of the nonprofit groups that the church sponsored over the years to share their amazing growth by their generosity of the church. A few years into his leadership at the church he established First Respondents Blessings during Sunday services in September which included law enforcement, Fire/Medical, Teachers & staff and recently added church leaders. He focused on healing the souls and minds of the community.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Cynthia, and their adult sons: David (and his wife Marissa), Julian, and Patrick, who continue to carry forward his legacy through the stories, memories, and values he instilled in them. Victor was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Abraham N. and Frances U. Hardy, and his dear sister, Adrienne H. Edwards.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory two brothers, TylerVan N. Hardy and Samuel E. Hardy, and one sister, Crystal Z. (Anthony) Lawhorn. Also holding his memory close are Uncle/Bishop Carlton R (Lorraine) Upton, Aunt Dr. Barbara U. (William) Walker, Uncle Cecil (Fransene) Upton, along with a large and loving circle of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he touched.

Remarks from his sons: David (Marissa): I am going to miss my father for the rest of my life, but I am going to carry his torch to reach those who need more light in their lives. I will be forever grateful that he was my father. Love you Pop.

Marissa: Victor Hardy opened his heart and home to me and welcomed me with laughter and love. That’s who he was. An open heart to every person who needed it. Victor was an educator of life. He always strived for knowledge and growth, and it was an honor and pleasure to know him in any capacity. Victor always created a space for people to feel 100% themselves without judgement. I will miss laughing and talking with him about anything and everything. I am forever grateful to have a father-in-law as bright, kind, and powerful as he was. Even in his silence he was a presence to be reckoned with. Thank you for your love and life. Until next time… I love you.

Juilian: Father always encouraged me to be myself. We played, laughed, sang together and rehearsed my orchestra music with me. He was proud of me. He supported me in everything.

Patrick: My father was a light in the world and shine bright for all to see, not just for you to see him but he gave you some of that light so you could shine too. He was a very patient and kind man, sometimes people took it for weakness or ignorance however that was far from the truth. He challenged people’s perspective of who he was and who his family is. He taught us (his sons) everything he knew about the things. I think we all love movies, comic books, and history because of him. He taught us how to be patient and kind to others and help when you can. I don’t know honestly what to say here. I’m just rambling. I would like to say thank you to the man, the myth, the legend, Victor E. Hardy. May your light keep shining through us and may that light keep us from whatever darkness. Love you, pop.

Victor Hardy: A Life of Service, Song, and Spirit

Victor’s community of friends came together across various social media platforms to share heartfelt condolences. The family deeply appreciated every message, drawings, and expressions of love. The overall sentiment was clear: Victor Hardy was a remarkable leader, a man guided by faith, devotion to his country, and a deep commitment to his family. He often dedicated his community service to honor his parents and extended family. Known for his compassion and leadership, Pastor Hardy was seen as a vessel of God’s grace, love, and understanding by touching every life and place he encountered.

Victor’s journey in Arizona community service began in January 1995 in Mesa, Arizona, when he marched with Big John Goode and his wife to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. His work continued, especially in supporting local students, alongside his sons. In 1999, Victor moved his family to Chandler, Arizona, where his dedication of service grew. He volunteered tirelessly with the Chandler Unified School District #80, the City of Chandler, Chandler Tullamore Sister Cities organizations, East Valley NAACP, and many other local organizations and nonprofits, often adding a new cause each year.

In 2012, he founded and directed the Chandler Centennial Celebration Choir and co-founded the nonprofit Chandler Men of Action, where he served as president. A gifted vocalist and songwriter, he created the Chandler High School Gospel Choir Club, teaching students about gospel music history, vocal techniques, and songwriting (He cowrote the Chandler song with Vern and Chris Poehls). Under his leadership, the choir performed with renowned groups such as the Harlem Gospel Choir, the Tucson Arizona Mass Choir, and the American Rock and Roll and Soul show. The choir performed at local events like the City of Chandler Unity Luncheon, the Multicultural Festival, and the In Joy Program at Arizona Community Church in Tempe. The choir’s efforts even raised funds to establish a scholarship.

Victor served as a YMCA mentor and frequently performed at local nonprofit events. He emceed the Chandler Symphony Orchestra Gala and was later invited to serve as a guest conductor and narrator. The Chandler Centennial Celebration choir he directed performed with the orchestra, showcasing his unique ability to bridge communities through music and storytelling.

Pastor Hardy remained humble, embracing God’s calling through every opportunity presented to him. He became a coach at Chandler High School for football and girls’ basketball teams. His journey brought him into contact with many icons—singing in the Super Bowl halftime choir in Tempe where he met Diana Ross, receiving songwriting mentorship from Barry Manilow while stationed in California, and even emceeing two bodybuilding shows in San Francisco. During his time at Norfolk State University, Victor met jazz legends like Ramsey Lewis and Charlie Parker and was invited to join a jam session. He also had chance meetings with football greats Randy White and Emmitt Smith that brought him great joy.

Throughout his life, Pastor Hardy used these experiences to serve God’s mission. He regularly sang invocations at City Council meetings, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, and countless other community events. Known for his powerful vocal range and infectious laughter, his presence was unforgettable.

The family shared their retelling of only a few of the countless gems and memories that he left in their hearts. Pastor Hardy was, above all else, a servant of God. He lived that role out loud with love, joy, and sometimes, a loving correction to help guide others back onto the path of righteousness.

Victor and his wife Cynthia were a true team. They first met as college students when Cynthia ran for Freshman Class Senator. Victor once told a friend, “I’m going to marry her one day,” though Cynthia didn’t recall that first meeting. Their love blossomed, and Cynthia would later join him at his performances. Together, they started a band called Stargazers with violinist Karen Briggs (who was fired from the group for no shows). After Cynthia graduated from Norfolk State University, the two were married in the chapel at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, California was Victor’s first active duty station. His service continued at Howard Air Force Base in the Republic of Panama, where he was active in the Chaplain Worship Team.

Victor came from three generations of church leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal tradition. His musical journey began in church and grew through performances with his family group, the Upton Singers. They toured locally and appeared on the PTL Show, where he met BeBe and CeCe Winans and their family.

Victor’s love for music was lifelong and his voice, both in song and in spirit, will be missed dearly. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the communities he lifted, and the love he gave so freely.

The family is sharing a portion of Pastor Hardy last sermon (completed March 21, 2025) was on this scripture, Luke 13: 1-9

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:1-9).

After all, if we blame God, it takes the responsibility off us. We can allow ourselves to be distracted by the things we can’t control, instead of doing something about the things we can. “’Why did this happen?’ it’s too easy to ask, wringing our hands as we sit on the sidelines and do nothing, changing nothing, influencing and affecting nothing.”[1] It’s easy to shrug our shoulders and say that it’s all God’s fault, and I can’t do anything about it…… God’s judgment is a given, whatever tragedies we may experience. The answer to tragedy is repentance toward God. When bad things happen, Jesus encourages us to turn to God instead of blaming God.

His wife of 40 years and his extended family we share our Victor with you. We are running towards God’s open arms of acceptance and forgiveness. We hope you continue to LOVE OUT LOUD and give everyday, HEAVEN. Amen.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Compass Christian Church at 1825 S Alma School Road, Chandler, Arizona, 85286.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎