Harry Leonard Chandler

Harry L. (Cohen) Chandler of South Hadley MA and Tequesta FL, Loving Husband, Father and "Pappy" to his Grandchildren and countless others, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, at the age of 103. He is now reunited with his Anna, and together they are dancing into eternity.
Harry was born on March 6, 1921, in Holyoke MA to Louis and Ida Cohen. He was the younger brother to Rose and Eve, older brother to Marty, and enjoyed a happy childhood during tough times. His Mother instilled in him to "Always Love, Never Hate", a guiding principle that provided him direction throughout his life and that he would repeat often. To be told "I Love You" by Harry was often the highlight of one's day.
Harry attended Holyoke Public Schools, leaving just short of graduation in 1939 in order to commence the enlistment process into the United States Navy. From an early age, he always loved the look of a Sailor Suit, often asking his parents to buy him one. This led to his desire to join the Navy, in order to be sure to get that Sailor Suit before he was conscripted into the Army!
Harry was sworn into the Navy in July 1940. While in Boot Camp in Newport RI, he decided he wanted to be a Corpsman while observing the medical staff during a stint in Sick Bay. He graduated from the Naval Hospital Corps School in Portsmouth VA, now equipped with medical training that melded perfectly with his gentle, caring and friendly nature. Harry had chosen the perfect discipline, and a Corpsman he would be for the rest of his life.
After a posting to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Chelsea MA, Harry was transferred to Brooklyn NY to assist in preparation of an experimental transportable medical facility. Mobile Hospital #2 was crated up and, with Harry and his Shipmates aboard, set sail to Pearl Harbor HI. They arrived by late November 1941 and worked to set up the prefabricated Hospital in Aiea Heights overlooking the Harbor.
On December 7, 1941, in his Whites and having just raised the flag outside his barracks, Harry witnessed the start of WWII when Japan attacked America. He said he woke up a 20-year-old boy that morning and became a man when the bombs started falling. While proud of his service during the Attack, he would deflect any talk of heroism as "just doing my job" and would remind others that it was a single day at the start of a long conflict. He would serve throughout the Pacific, including attachments to the Marines at Midway and other islands, attended Submarine School in Groton CT, and returned to Pearl Harbor where he was awaiting his Submarine assignment when the war ended. Among his Commendations were: Asiatic-Pacific Area Theater Medal (2 Stars), American Area Theater Medal (1 Star); American Defense Medal (1 Star); WWII Victory Medal, Commendations from the Commander-In-Chief Pacific Fleet and the Secretary of the Navy, a Unit Commendation, and the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. In all, Harry served the United States of America for 6 years on Active Duty, and an additional 34 years in the United States Navy Reserve. He LOVED the Navy and retired as a Sr. Chief (HMCS) in 1981 while attached to the 4th Marine Unit.
As he had done before the war, Harry worked for his father as a Painter and Paper-Hanger when he returned home. He later worked for Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks CT, where he met the love of his life, Anna McMahon, until starting as a Salesman for Highland Upholstery Co. in Holyoke MA. In 1955, he and his brother, Martin Cohen, became Co-Owners of Highland. Together they grew Highland into a highly respected furniture manufacturing and upholstery business before both retired in 1991. He was very proud of this accomplishment, and even more so since it was with his brother. In fact, he enjoyed a very close relationship with all his siblings throughout their lives.
Harry was an avid golfer, a member of Hickory Ridge C.C. and the Ridge Runners Group. He was a proud follower of the Jewish faith, and member of the Sinai Temple (Springfield MA) and Congregation Rodphey Sholom (Holyoke MA). He was an active member in many Fraternal organizations, among them the Mount Tom Lodge of Masons (Past Master), The Melha Shriners Hospital, Jerusalem Lodge AF & AM, Mount Holyoke Royal Arch, The Scottish Rites, The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, The Pearl Harbor Attack Veterans Post 1, the National Chief Petty Officer's Association, the Submarine Veterans of WWII, VFW Post 3104, American Legion Post 0260 and the Jewish War Veterans.
Harry was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Anna (McMahon), daughter Patricia Russotto, sisters Rose Hendel and Eve Salwitz, brother Martin Cohen and long-time companion Muriel O'Conner. He is survived by daughters Kathleen Fahey of North Palm Beach FL and Carole Anne Cowles (David) of Venice FL. He also leaves Grandchildren John Fahey Jr. (Stephanie), Denise Fahey-Ramirez (Armando), Kelli Fahey (Ron Mahaffee), Kimberly Koennicke (Doug), Ann Fahey-Widman (Matt), Karlene Sullivan, Lisa Riley, Stephen Russotto (Amy) and Virginia Cowles, 17 Great-Grandchildren, 5 Great-Great-Grandchildren, and numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Services for Mr. Chandler will be held at the VA Cemetery in Agawam MA on February 10, 2025 at 2PM, He will be buried there, with a reception to follow at Crestview Country Club. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Chandler requested donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children (shrinerschildrens.org), Southeast Florida Honor Flight (honorflightsefl.org) or Genesis Assistance Dogs (genesisassistancedogsinc.org).
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Tequesta Terrace Senior Living, the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, and Trustbridge Hospice Care for their supportive and loving care of Mr. Chandler.