Obituary of Dennis V Harto

Dennis V. Harto, 79, of Marcy, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

He was born on March 11, 1944, in Long Island, NY, the son of Val and Louise (Dilatush) Harto.  Dennis graduated from high school in Long Island.

In 1965, Dennis proudly served his nation as a member of the United States Army until his honorable discharge on March 31, 1969.

On May 16, 1992, Dennis was united in marriage to Louanne Broadbent in Holland Patent.

Dennis was employed as a Security Hospital Treatment Assistant for Marcy Psych Center for over twenty years, retiring in 2003. He had previously worked on the Alaskan Pipelines in the 1970s. He was also the owner and operator of Heartland Farms where he met his wife, Louanne.

Dennis’s greatest joy in life was flying his powered parachute.  In the fall, Dennis and Tom and Colleen Farr would host the Stittville Fly-in.  Dennis and his flying buddies deemed themselves the “Stittville Air Force”. For many years, he sold Buckeye powered parachutes and in 2003, he opened a satellite company called Heartland Powered Parachutes.  After moving to Florida, Dennis became known as the “Strawberry Man” at the Sun and Fun Fly-in in Lakeland, FL.  Wherever Dennis was though, he never traveled without his dog by his side.  He had a soft spot for Australian Shepherds.

Surviving besides his loving wife of thirty-one years, Louanne; are two children, Kathy Jewell and her husband, John Miller, of Utah, and Dennis Harto Jr., of Holland Patent; a sister, Kathy Coen, of Long Island; five grandchildren, Myles, Ashley, Kora, Kali, and Levi; two great-grandchildren, Titus and Ruby; two nieces, Betsy and Katie; and several stepchildren.  Dennis was predeceased by a son-in-law, Alan Jewell; a brother-in-law, John Coen; and a grandson, Rye Delaney.

Dennis’s family wishes to express their gratitude to his flying partner, John (Naomi) Bello, whom enabled Dennis to enjoy his final flying days.  They also wish to thank the staff at Keepsake Village at Green Point in Liverpool and the Grand in Rome for the kindness and compassion shown to him.  Lastly, a sincere thank you to all of the family and friends who have offered their support and love to Dennis and Louanne throughout this last year.

A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at a future date.  There are no calling hours.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome. You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com

Fly High Dennis