Harold E. Buff, formerly of Sheakleyville, died peacefully at St. Paul's on May 1, 2020, of natural causes.

He was a longtime teacher and guidance counselor for the Sandy Lake/Lakeview school system, well-known insurance executive, and owner of the Harold E. Buff Funeral Home (currently Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home) in Sheakleyville. He was 95.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; a daughter, Joyce E. Hollinger; a son, Ralph C. (Skip); and an infant grandson, Ryan. Lois was his wife of 61 years and daughter of the late Ralph and Jessie (Beggs) Clark of Perry Township.

Harold was born on Aug. 27, 1924, in Wheatland and was the last survivor of seven brothers born to the late Heilman and Lillian Cole (Stoops) of Wheatland. At a young age, Harold was adopted by Peter and Elizabeth Buff of Clarks Mills.

He attended Long School and was a graduate of Hadley High School, Thiel College, and the John Tyler School of Mortuary Science.

Harold proudly volunteered for service in the United Sates Navy on his birthday in 1942 and was honorably discharged at the conclusion of World War II.

Throughout his life, Harold remained committed to American ideals and their importance in world affairs. He revered small game hunting, Thanksgiving celebrations with family, the Detroit Tigers, and playing competitive softball.

Harold was blessed with four children, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two sons, Richard and his wife Barbara from Lake Worth, Fla., and Harold (Tad) and his wife Veronica from Piedmont, S.C.; and a daughter-in-law Beverly from Meadville.

Surviving grandchildren include Deirdre and Jeffrey Hollinger (Joyce), Peter, Neily, John, and Jason Buff (Richard), Corrie Emerson (Skip), Sarah Dunn, Kristy and Andrew Buff (Tad).

BUFF

Harold E., 95, formerly of Sheakleyville.

A future private family celebration with military honors will be held graveside at Hadley Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.snyderfh.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 3223 Perry Highway, Sheakleyville.