Just heard of Harry's passing from a former co-worker at Damon. My condolences to his family. I also see a few other Damon folks on this guest book; we did have some crazy times, didn't we? My first flashback to Harry is his singing of 'Kansas City'; with that being said. RIP, to a lovely man.  Maria (Vignola) Rulton

Loved seeing the pictures of Harry, Terry and the Family.  It's been too many years since we've seen one another.  While those pictures are all new to me, they really brought back many good memories of the times when we were all very much a part of each other's lives.     

Harry was truly one in a million!   He had a unique knack for bringing joy and fun to people, and this is a talent that very, very few possess.  

Aside from some grey hair & a few pounds, I was really surprised to see that Harry's face & facial expressions hadn't changed at all from when we (Harry, Terry & I) worked together at the A&P on Main Ave in Clifton, NJ in the 60s.  I'm sure this is evidence that he was truly enjoying his life and loving his family to the max!   

In just about every picture, Harry had that unforgettable smile on his face.   And in the few pictures when the smile wasn't there, Harry was spreading joy with a comical look that I'm sure placed smiles on the faces of others and brought about rounds of  laughter.   Wish we could have shared some of those moments.  

Until Harry came along, I can't recall having much of a sense of humor myself  -- I was more the serious type.    It's because of Harry's friendship and influence that I was able to open up and see the funny side of life and the value of laughter.  Many people over the years have told me what a funny guy I am, and I really have Harry to thank for those compliments.   But I could never hold a candle to him in that regard.  He truly had a unique and great gift  -- a real talent!      

Yes, Harry and I (known to many back then as Laurel & Hardy) were great friends, and we were close as brothers in our younger years.   In fact, I was honored to be the Best Man at Harry & Terry's Wedding  --  And what a beautiful & memorable Wedding it was!!  Terry was gorgeous, Harry was dashing and the newly-weds truly looked like they were headed for Camelot!

Unfortunately, geography placed us on different paths too soon in our 30s, and I've always missed Harry & Terry very much after their move to NC.   Still, we were so close in our younger years that they have always both held a very special place in my heart and in my thoughts.  

I was deeply saddened when I heard from Terry informing me about Harry's passing.  The world has truly lost a compassionate and very special human being who cared deeply about the people he came in contact with.     

My thoughts and prayers will continue for Terry and Dan & Michael.  May the difficult days ahead be made easier to endure with the knowledge that your Husband/Father is, indeed, in a better place and surely keeping an eye on all of us.  I hope the Angels are well-rested as there will be many good-time parties on their agendas in the times ahead  --  That's for certain!

Harry had a huge impact on my life.  He was my friend, confidant, teacher, supporter and source for laughter for many years.  My memories are endless and happy.  I am grateful to have had the chance to speak with him recently and was heartbroken to hear of his passing.  My heart goes out to Terry, Michael, Danny and the rest of the family.  Harry you have been and  always will be in my heart.

We will never forget how generous and gracious Harry was in welcoming us into the Hoskins family. We are on Cristy's side of the family, but always treated as a Hoskins. Family meals were great as Harry loved to make us laugh, always took an interest in our lives, and showed his love for his family,  taking special delight in his grandchildren, David and Cole. We miss you Harry and thank you for the priviledge of having you in our lives.

My deepest condolences go out to the entire Hoskins family. Harry was such a wonderful and caring person. I was blessed to have the opportunity to have met Harry as a teenager and have him act as my sponsor for Confirmation. I will always remember his outstanding sense of humor, his deep believe in God and for the love he had for his family.  My heart goes out to the Hoskins family as you are dealing with your loss.

On behalf of Ben Collova, we his family would like to offer our deepest sympathy for your loss. Over their years of working together at Damon we got to know Harry as a kind and caring man. My dad was crushed to hear of Harry's passing. Harry was much more that just a workmate he was good friend!
Collova Family - Bergenfield NJ

I will always remember how your dad always had a smile on his face and he was always the life of a party even with us guys back in high school. Please give my best to your family!!!

Sincerely,

Patrick Tackney

Looking at the photo gallery.  What fun pictures!  I did not know Harold Hoskins - but get a glimpse of him through the photos.  The pictures show a man living with much joy, humor (love the picture of him in a boat with little blond boy and the one where he is dabbing Mike's forehead at wedding).  I get even more of a glimpse of Harold Hoskins through his son, Michael - who is clever, kind and spirited.

We were very sorry to read of Harold's passing. My husband John went to grammar school with Harry(Holy Trinity in Passaic) and we met up with your family many years later in Wayne, N.J. when our sons played baseball together. We extend our deepest sympathy to your family.

I was saddened to read in the No.Jersey Record of Harry's passing. We went to Pope Pius HS together and were in the Glee Club. Harry and I also sang a duet at our senior class night. Included in your photos is one of Harry, Jack Mitchell (who I am still in touch with) and John Whalley singing barber shop. Harry was quite a 'character' and lots of fun. After looking through the photos, he seemed to remain that way through his life. My sincere condolences to his family and rest in peace old classmate!

I will always remember Harry as a man of great joy who shared that gift and his gift of gerosity with others. I hope you are smiling in God's presence my friend.

"For just as the Father raises up the dead and makes them alive, so the Son also makes alive whomever he wants to."
(John 5: 21)

Harry was one of the most generous, giving men I've ever known. He was like a second dad to my boys when they were young. The door at Harry's home was always open and the grill hot.  I remember the first time we shared a meal with Harry and Terry....I was told by Harry that we were having " Ooh-Ahh" chicken.  When I asked what that was he laughed and said "you'll see"....sure enough when the chicken was ready and we took our first bite...we said " ooh ahh" this is so good...and we laughed until we cried...IT was a moment I'll never forget. During the boys little league games it was Harry who cheered them on to be the best that they could be...He never missed a game....He was a man who found humor in all things....a man who put others before himself and a man who not only loved but lived in the true spirit of God. We will miss him but will never forget him.  He will remain in our hearts forever.. With love, Linda Byrne ,  Moore SC

I worked with Harry at Damon for many years and will always remember his kind ways and his great sense of humor.  He always made me laugh! My thoughts are wife his wife and family.  Theresa Calleja, Bogota, NJ

Harry's contributions and positive influence on the youth of our parish community will not be forgotten.

OBITUARY

Harold Patrick Hoskins

November 24, 1945 – December 29, 2013

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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