Obituary of Harvey A. Mackey

Harvey Andrew Mackey was born on November 14, 1924, the son of Roy and Ruth Mackey, in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised in Indiana, where he lived until early 1943, when at the age of eighteen (18) he was voluntarily inducted into the U.S. Navy. He progressed from Apprentice Seaman in Boot Camp, to Aviation Radioman, to Ensign before his release to inactive duty. He became a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve before he resigned. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a degree in engineering. While at Tulane he met Ruth Goebel, his future wife, of almost sixty (60) years. Most of Harvey’s professional career, of about thirty (30) years, was with the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. His work was in the field of research and development of undersea weapons. When he retired he was the civilian manager of the Navy’s Priority Four (4) project. Harvey was a charter member of St. Paul’s. He served as its first Secretary, its third President, as an Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, as a SS Teacher of the confirmation class, as a member and Chairman of the Board of Planning, and as St. Paul’s representative on the West Falls Church Metro Station Task Force, where he wrote that portion of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan that applies to St. Paul’s. He was also active in the Boy Scouts. He served as an Assistant Cubmaster, as the Scoutmaster of one of the largest troops in the National Capital Area Council, as an Explorer Advisor, and as a Neighborhood Commissioner. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary, and his wife, Ruth. He is survived by his son, Harvey, Jr. (Andy) and wife Diane, his son Mark and wife Beverly, and his grandchildren, Nathan, Karla, Christina, Jennifer, Jessica (and husband Matt Stark), and Zachary and his great grandchildren, Ryder Stark, Sawyer Stark and Kimberly Mackey Anderson. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7426 Idylwood Road, Falls Church, VA 22043 at 12 Noon, with reception to follow. Inurnment at St. Paul’s Memorial Gardens at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Lastly, directly following the service and gathering at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; there will be an commemorative event in Grandpa’s honor. This will be open to everyone (everyone who ever knew Grandpa is invited), and will be located at Grandpa’s house: Food and drinks will be provided, and everyone is welcome. There will be no end time, people should feel free to stay as long or a short as they need. This is in commemoration of Grandpa, and he deserves to have the best turnout of people who loved and cared for him.