Obituary of Bobby Harvey

Robert "Bobby" Harvey, 90 of Utica, NY passed away within the loving arms of his family on October 30, 2019.

Mr. Harvey was born on January 6, 1929 to the late Judge and Willie Bell Harvey in Eufala, Alabama.  Educated in the Alabama school system, Bobby later relocated to Utica NY in the late 1940's to join his brother and sister-in-law. By the 1970's, he began making his footprint in the construction industry, joining the local chapter of LIUNA Local #35; working for Eastern Rock Construction and Murray Paving. He also worked on the Edison Miller community pool (which was one of the bright spots in his career). He would always say when driving by the location, "I laid that brick down"! He ended his construction career, retiring from Buck Construction.

Bobby met and married Rosa Harvey, from that union was stepson Raymond Jackson, Sr. When he became a widower, he was blessed with taking care of his beautiful daughter, Barbara "Bob" Harvey.  When he was not working construction, he was maintaining his full-time role as "Daddy and Comedian in Charge".  He loved to cook southern style (hush puppies, pot roast, ribs, greens, okra, blackeye peas and his special homemade dressing from scratch), His favorite drink was Johnny Walker Red label. No one ever left his presence without a smile on their face or a laugh in their heart.  To emphasize how important food was to Bobby, The Masonic Home allowed family members of their residents to cook meals for their loved ones.  One of his favorite and last meals was homemade squash and onions, cooked by his loving grandson Robert.

Mr. Harvey was a blessing to those who knew him. Cherishing his memory are his daughter: Barbara "Bob" Harvey, grandchildren:  Robert "Scooter" Harvey, Kimberly "Mama" Harvey and Naronn "BooBoo" Harvey (Utica, NY); great grandson Naronn D. Harvey, Jr.;  He  affectionately called Jacqueline (Todd) Hollins (CA); and Alexander (Asean) Edwards of Tampa his children as well. His extended grandchildren:  Jimmy Jackson, Raymond (Diane) Jackson, Rosalind (Winston) Jackson, Roxanne (Andre) Testamark, Robert (Betty) Jackson, Bruce (Fannie) Benson, Phillip (Linda) Benson, Charles (Lois) Benson. His special nieces and nephews; Tina Harvey, Christina Harvey (Nevada) Ann Smith, La Shawn Edwards, Robert Lee "Smitty” (Angie) Smith and Jerry Smith; special friends: Mr. Bennie Garnett and Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph (Beulah) Thompson, Ms. Bernice Smith and special former companion Ms. Adlean Harris. (Oakland CA). Special Cousin; Tommy Harvey (Georgia).

Bobby was predeceased by his parents:  Judge and Willie Bell Harvey; his wife Rosa Harvey; stepson; Raymond Lewis (Irene) Jackson, Sr.; brothers:  J.C. (Alma) Harvey, Willie D. (Edna) Harvey; nephew Edward Harvey, Sr., and granddaughter-in-law Georgette Jackson. Dear friend and mother of his daughter Daisy Edwards.

The family would like acknowledge their sincere appreciation for all those who have extended their support via a phone call, a card or a visit during their time of grief.  A special acknowledgment is to the Masonic Care Community and special thanks to the Troy Household & Rehabilitation Department with a personal acknowledgement to Dr. Oltneau, Shirley, Linda, Christina, Korinne and Erin, also to the Advanced Wound Clinic: Dr. William Lindsey, Mary Ellen Schrader and the entire staff.