Harry Radell

Mr. Harry Edward "Pop" Radell, a longtime resident of Butler, NJ departed this life on Monday, November 25th at The New Jersey Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ.

Harry recently celebrated his 100th birthday with a huge gathering of family, friends, and firefighters.

He was born on September 5th, 1924 in Kingston, NY, a son of the late August Radell and Sophie Banta Radell. On October 12th, 1946 he was united in marriage to the love of his life Lois Virginia Derrig, who preceded him in death on May 10th, 2014.

He is survived by three children, Wayne Radell and his wife Lisa, Keith Radell and his wife Lori and Karen Meade and her husband Brad, five grandchildren, Heather Peterson and her husband William, Melissa Nunley and her husband Aaron, Jaclyn Radell, Kellen Meade and his wife Abigail, and Leoni Warren and her husband Tyler, and 9 great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive their beloved Uncle Harry.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers; Robert Radell (during battle in WWII), Donald Radell, Glen Radell, and a sister Marirose DeSmedt. He has one surviving brother, Eugene Radell and his wife Rosalie.

Harry attended grade school in Kingston, NY and graduated high school from Lyndhurst High in 1942. He served in the US Coast Guard during World War II from 1942 to 1946 on a supply ship in the Pacific Theater. He had a few jobs after the war, but was most proud of his employment at Coca Cola where he worked for nearly 40 years starting as a driver’s helper and retiring as a District Sales Manager. 

Harry was a member Kiel Hook & Ladder company of the Butler Fire Department for 64 years and also served for 22 years as Chief of Fire Police. Up until the age of 94, he faithfully served on calls to direct traffic, attended meetings, and assisted in Department philanthropic functions. Harry was always there to lend advice, encourage young firefighters and offer a helping hand when needed.

Harry was a super-hero to his family; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, philanthropist and the kind of a person who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He loved gardening and yard work and anyone who ever saw his yard in Butler said "it looked like a park". He always had a smile and a kind word, and was an inspiration to all who knew him. To quote a family member “He was the man I gauge all men by and that’s a tough act to follow”. 

He will be greatly missed by the many lives that have been touched by his kind, joyful, loving, servant heart.

Harry's remains will be cremated and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date in spring 2025. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Butler Fire Department of Butler, NJ.   http://www.butlerfd.com/donate.html