Harvey Leonard Monroe Sr.

Harvey Leonard Monroe, Sr., known for his perseverance, hearty laughter, and his joy for life, was born on Monday, August 29, 1932, in Briscoe, Virginia, to the late Alphonso P. and Mary (Pollard) Monroe. Harvey received his education at King and Queen Training School in King and Queen County, Virginia, where he participated in track, basketball, baseball, and football (defense). He was well-loved by his family and friends. His siblings affectionately knew him as “Chester,” while many others called him “Dick.” He accepted Jesus Christ early in life and was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bruington, Virginia. After relocating to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he united in Christian fellowship at Bethany A.M.E. Church, where he served faithfully as a steward. In later years, he joined his family at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Steelton, Pennsylvania, under the pastorate of Rev. T. Orestus Wilson. Harvey proudly served his country as an Airman in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a tail gunner and heavy equipment operator. His service during the Korean War allowed him to travel the world, Texas, Oklahoma, Andrews Air Force Base, Guam, Japan, and the Philippines. It was during this time, in 1952, that he met and married Mary Robinson of Oklahoma City, and from that union, one son, Harvey L. Monroe, Jr., was born. After being honorably discharged, Harvey moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he lived with his beloved Aunt Marie and Uncle William “Biggie” Smallwood at their boarding house on Lafayette Avenue. Those were cherished years, and many family members met their spouses there, Harvey included. It was in that home that he met his wife of 43 years, Josephine W. Hunter Monroe, with whom he shared the blessing of raising Hazel Yvonne, Veronica Laverne, Jennifer Willene, and Napier Ewell. Harvey held many jobs throughout his life, including longshoreman at Sparrow Point in Baltimore, working at Baltimore Bethlehem Steel, trucking for a men’s clothing manufacturer, and driving a cab in Brooklyn, New York, among other employment. Harvey and Josephine enjoyed traveling with their senior group to destinations such as New Orleans, Tennessee, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Harvey cherished spending his summers visiting family in St. Stephens Church, Virginia, enjoying the fellowship of his brothers Purcell, Clarence, and Bill, and visiting his beloved sisters, Sister (Mary Lillian), Ella, Adele, and Hattie. He looked forward to his mother's delicious dishes, especially her well-known pound cake. Each Christmas, she sent him a package filled with love, canned fruit, preserves, relishes, a smoked ham shoulder, and her famous pound cakes, which he rarely shared. In 1962, at just 29 years old, Harvey suffered a brain aneurysm that left him in a coma for six months and paralyzed on his left side. Despite overwhelming odds, he pressed through with remarkable courage. Recovery was slim in those days, but Harvey’s determination never wavered. His mind stayed sharp throughout his life, and he became the family’s historian, the go-to storyteller for the many adventures and shenanigans of his past. He loved helping others complete documents, find the resources they needed, and accompany them to appointments. His life stood as a powerful testimony of endurance and faith. Harvey was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He was an avid reader, going through many Kindles supplied by his daughter Veronica, and he enjoyed listening to jazz. In his younger years, he was known as “Dapper Dan” for his impeccable style, and even in later years, he could always be found wearing one of his hats from his children’s trips. Harvey never complained. He knew what was best for his well-being and voiced it with wisdom. In July 2011, he requested to be placed in a care facility for additional support. He became a resident of Colonial Park Care and Rehabilitation Center, later renamed River Bend Rehabilitation Center, where he lived until his passing. Harvey was an early riser and was rarely found in his room—he stayed active, delivering newspapers to other residents, participating in activities (his favorite being bingo), and serving as a graduate of the Peer Board of Dauphin County and a peer leader. One year, he was even crowned King of the Colonial Park Care Center. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the age of ninety-three, Harvey peacefully transitioned into eternal life at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Josephine W. Monroe; three brothers, A. Percell Monroe, Clarence Monroe, and William Lewis Monroe; three sisters, Mary Lillian Holmes, Ella Monroe, and Adele Johnson; his son-in-law, Elder Kaylor W. Jackson; grandsons, Eric D. Washington Sr., Shawntaey L. Alexander, Javon G. King, and Sheldon Coffield; and great-grandchildren, Iroh R. H. Weatherford and Odyn O.N. Weatherford. Harvey leaves to cherish his loving memory, his children, Harvey L. Monroe Jr. (Diane), Hazel Y. Washington, Veronica L. Monroe, Jennifer W. Jackson, Napier E. Monroe (Towana), Australia Yolanda Monroe, and Cynthia Monroe; his sister, Hattie Smith; and the grandchildren he helped raise, Leonard A. Monroe (Martissa), Kevin Washington Jr., Shauntay M. Diggs (Tyrone), Jonnee` Tonsel (Darryl), Emmanuel W. Jackson (Alexis), Shaniece J. Jackson, Naterra Tonsel, Napier E. Monroe, Jr. (Ciara), JoMarae` Monroe; 14 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren; his Godson, Charles L. White; and a host of other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Monday, December 1, at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

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Harvey Leonard Monroe Sr.

August 29, 1932 - November 15, 2025