Retired State Senator.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. "Hal" as he was so fondly called, spent a lifetime enjoying and helping everyone he encountered as he truly made the Commonwealth of PA a better place in which to live, work and raise a family. He was an extraordinary state leader, dedicated public servant, a well respected businessman, a diligent advocate for children, education, healthcare, and business, an exemplary community-minded citizen, an extra special family man, a loyal friend, an adoring devoted husband, a beloved father, a doting grandfather and a great-grandfather.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr., 84, was born on January 4, 1930 in Chambersburg, Pa., the oldest son of Harold F. and Mary Strohm Mowery. Hal grew up in Mech., and the family had an orchard in N. York Co. where he formed his outstanding work ethic. He graduated from Mech. HS and Dickinson College with a BA in Economics and Psychology and was a memb. of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He then married his partner in life of 60 years, his wife Phyllis Shearer Mowery who survives him. In addition, are his surviving sister Lois Ann Layton of St. Petersburg, FLA. and brother Richard E. Mowery (wife Roberta) of Mech. Hal is predeceased by an infant brother Edward and brother Donald Mowery.
Also surviving are his children Harold F. Mowery, III (wife Teena), and Theodore W. Mowery (wife Lisa), both of Mech., and Phyllis Denise Mowery VanGavree (husband Michael) of Hummelstown; grandchildren Julie Mowery Young (husband Nathan), Garrett Mowery, Adam Mowery (fiancé Kate Lester), Ashley Mowery, Jamie Mowery (fiancé Garrett Lewis), Lexis Mowery, Haley Mowery, and Cutter VanGavree; along with great granddaughter Amelia Young, and many nieces and nephews.
Hal entered the insurance business in 1954 and earned a chartered life underwriter degree (CLU). Over the years, he founded highly successful insurance businesses including Professional Insurance Services, Inc., Mowery Associates, Inc., Gunn Mowery LLC, Professional Financial Advisors and Gaughen Insurance, Inc. and often mentored young entrepreneurs. In addition to his career, the proud father of three, enjoyed coaching Little League and participating in Indian Princess Guides. Regarded as a top business leader, Hal was Past Pres. of the Hbg. Gen. Agents and Managers Assoc., and a memb. of the National Assoc. of Federated Insurance Agents (NAFIA). He was Past Memb. of: the Cumberland Valley Region Advisory Bd., Mellon Bank, the Advisory Bd. for Commonwealth Bank, Hbg. Assoc. of Life Underwriters, the Bd. of the American Institute of Professional Assoc. Group Administrators, the Hbg. Estate Planning Counc., the Bd. of Miller's Mutual, and the West Shore and Hbg. Chambers of Commerce. He was an Assoc. Memb. of the Society of Pension Actuaries and a Guest Lecturer for Penn State's Insurance Dept.
Hal was extremely involved in the "life of the community," where he volunteered, serving on numerous boards and committees, including Pres. of the Camp Hill School Bd., memb. of the Holy Spirit Corp. Bd. of Directors, Hbg. Consistory and Zembo Temple, and Past Chmn. of the Bd. for the Cumberland Co. American Cancer Society - S.E. Region. Additionally, he spent his life "giving back" and undertaking charitable fundraising for Holy Spirit's Ortenzio Heart Center, the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, the Assoc. for the Blind, the United Methodist Home for Children, the Military Museum, and the PA Coalition Against Rape's Vision of Hope. As a Bd. Memb. for the Keystone Counc. of the Boy Scouts of America, Sen. Mowery was the proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for Scouting. Awards and recognitions were abundant throughout the years, also including: the American Lung Assoc. of PA's Breath of Life, the Central PA Insurance Person of the Year, the PA Assoc. of Rehabilitation Facilities Leadership Award, the American Heart Assoc. affiliate special recognition for AED Legislation, the Managed Care Assoc. of PA Legislator of the Year, the American Trauma Assoc. support of Trauma Prevention Education, the Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry Counties Mental Health Assoc., the County Commissioner Assoc. Friend of Co. Govt., the Susan P. Byrnes Education Center, the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Citizens Against Higher Taxes Taxpayer Hero, the United Methodist Home for Children, and the National Assoc. of Life Underwriters Humanitarian of the Year.
Representing the West Shore as a State Lawmaker for nearly 3 decades, Hal was first elected to the state House in 1976 and subsequently never lost a legislative election. He was not regarded as a political partisan, preferring to build consensus across party lines to secure passage of key legislation for the betterment of Pennsylvania and of that which best served his constituents. During seven terms in the state House of Representatives from 1977 until 1990, Mowery achieved a reputation for expertise on fiscal and pension issues, advocating for the application of business principles to public programs and state spending. He was a key player in the formation of the Public Employee Retirement Commission. He helped develop and provide funding for substantial security changes needed in the wake of the Camp Hill prison riot. He served on a number of House committees, was the Minority Chmn. of the Liquor Control Comm. and a memb. of the Insurance Comm. Of great significance to Mowery was combating binge drinking on college campuses and initiating hearings among college and university presidents to address this problem.
In 1990, Mowery became part of state political history as the Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. on the ticket headed by Barbara Hafer. Two years later, Mowery won a hotly contested Republican primary to replace the "late" state Sen. John Hopper, and went on to win the general election in 1992 when he was elected to represent the 31st Senatorial District in the PA Senate, and served until retirement in 2004. His leadership included serving as: Chair of the Public Health & Welfare Comm., as Vice Chair of the Education Comm. and the Legislative Data Processing Comm., and as a memb. of the Aging & Youth, Banking & Insurance, Communications & Technology, Law & Justice, Labor & Industry, and Rules & Executive Nominations Committees. He also served on the Capitol Preservation Comm., the Children's Health Advisory Counc., the Firefighters and Emergency Services Caucus, the Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus; the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority, the Intergovernmental Counc. on Long Term Care, the State Interagency Coordinating Counc. for Early Intervention, and the Joint Legislative Arthritis and Osteoporosis Caucus, which he established and co-chaired.
During Mowery's tenure, he enriched the lives of Pennsylvanians as co-chair of the Public Health & Welfare Committee leading efforts that resulted in the reform of comprehensive managed care and welfare legislation and the passage of legislation providing adequate funding of mental health retardation services in hospitals. In addition, he worked diligently for the passage of comprehensive tort reform and school funding reform; and, spearheading an aggressive effort to stop the Dickinson School of Law from leaving Carlisle, where it still remains as part of the educational stability of the region. Additionally, he helped launch Holy Spirit TeenLine, which provides behavioral health services, a crisis line and a suicide prevention program for children and adolescents and their families. He led the fight to amend the state Sunshine Law to prevent vacancies on public boards and commissions from being filled through a secret process. He helped turn major HMO reforms into law, was an outspoken advocate of tort reform to curtail excessive and costly litigation, and helped secure substantial state funding for the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on the campus of Shippensburg Univ. As a tireless advocate for his constituents and Pa., he left an indelible mark on the Commonwealth.
After retiring from the Senate, Mowery resumed an active role in his insurance business while enjoying his family. More than anything, Hal was a man committed to his family and friends. Hal, a long-time member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, was an avid golfer, a member of the Pelican Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Fla. and 50 year member of the West Shore Country Club. "Hal and Phyl" have been long-time residents of Camp Hill where they are prominent leaders, and applauded for their significant contributions to a multitude of charitable causes. They have been honored for their extensive community involvement and achievements, including helping to create Camp Hill's Lion Foundation to enhance academic, athletic, and cultural resources, assisting with securing the Grace Milliman Pollock donation for the construction of the state-of-the art Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, providing the Borough of Camp Hill with the Mowery Family Press Box, investing in the Computer and Technology lab at CHSD, and as a former board member raising money for the "Pride of the Susquehanna". Mowery's stellar performance alongside Betsy Palmer in Messiah College's "Love Letters" benefitted the Allied Arts Fund. Mowery aided many other charities through sponsorships of benefits, galas and golf tournaments.
Sen. Mowery's professional expertise, his extensive community involvement and the myriad of awards and accolades which he has received stand as strong testimony to his genuine concern for the well-being of the Commonwealth. He truly is a shining example of public service at its best and a role model worthy of emulation for generations to come.
Myers-Harner Funeral Home, Camp Hill
~ ~ ~
Pottsville Republican March 5, 2014:
Harrisburg-Harold F. "Hal" Mowery Jr., a former state lawmaker for nearly three decades from central Pennsylvania, has died. He was 84.
Mowery's son, Ted Mowery said his father died Monday night after battling several illnesses, including pneumonia.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. "Hal" as he was so fondly called, spent a lifetime enjoying and helping everyone he encountered as he truly made the Commonwealth of PA a better place in which to live, work and raise a family. He was an extraordinary state leader, dedicated public servant, a well respected businessman, a diligent advocate for children, education, healthcare, and business, an exemplary community-minded citizen, an extra special family man, a loyal friend, an adoring devoted husband, a beloved father, a doting grandfather and a great-grandfather.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr., 84, was born on January 4, 1930 in Chambersburg, Pa., the oldest son of Harold F. and Mary Strohm Mowery. Hal grew up in Mech., and the family had an orchard in N. York Co. where he formed his outstanding work ethic. He graduated from Mech. HS and Dickinson College with a BA in Economics and Psychology and was a memb. of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He then married his partner in life of 60 years, his wife Phyllis Shearer Mowery who survives him. In addition, are his surviving sister Lois Ann Layton of St. Petersburg, FLA. and brother Richard E. Mowery (wife Roberta) of Mech. Hal is predeceased by an infant brother Edward and brother Donald Mowery.
Also surviving are his children Harold F. Mowery, III (wife Teena), and Theodore W. Mowery (wife Lisa), both of Mech., and Phyllis Denise Mowery VanGavree (husband Michael) of Hummelstown; grandchildren Julie Mowery Young (husband Nathan), Garrett Mowery, Adam Mowery (fiancé Kate Lester), Ashley Mowery, Jamie Mowery (fiancé Garrett Lewis), Lexis Mowery, Haley Mowery, and Cutter VanGavree; along with great granddaughter Amelia Young, and many nieces and nephews.
Hal entered the insurance business in 1954 and earned a chartered life underwriter degree (CLU). Over the years, he founded highly successful insurance businesses including Professional Insurance Services, Inc., Mowery Associates, Inc., Gunn Mowery LLC, Professional Financial Advisors and Gaughen Insurance, Inc. and often mentored young entrepreneurs. In addition to his career, the proud father of three, enjoyed coaching Little League and participating in Indian Princess Guides. Regarded as a top business leader, Hal was Past Pres. of the Hbg. Gen. Agents and Managers Assoc., and a memb. of the National Assoc. of Federated Insurance Agents (NAFIA). He was Past Memb. of: the Cumberland Valley Region Advisory Bd., Mellon Bank, the Advisory Bd. for Commonwealth Bank, Hbg. Assoc. of Life Underwriters, the Bd. of the American Institute of Professional Assoc. Group Administrators, the Hbg. Estate Planning Counc., the Bd. of Miller's Mutual, and the West Shore and Hbg. Chambers of Commerce. He was an Assoc. Memb. of the Society of Pension Actuaries and a Guest Lecturer for Penn State's Insurance Dept.
Hal was extremely involved in the "life of the community," where he volunteered, serving on numerous boards and committees, including Pres. of the Camp Hill School Bd., memb. of the Holy Spirit Corp. Bd. of Directors, Hbg. Consistory and Zembo Temple, and Past Chmn. of the Bd. for the Cumberland Co. American Cancer Society - S.E. Region. Additionally, he spent his life "giving back" and undertaking charitable fundraising for Holy Spirit's Ortenzio Heart Center, the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, the Assoc. for the Blind, the United Methodist Home for Children, the Military Museum, and the PA Coalition Against Rape's Vision of Hope. As a Bd. Memb. for the Keystone Counc. of the Boy Scouts of America, Sen. Mowery was the proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for Scouting. Awards and recognitions were abundant throughout the years, also including: the American Lung Assoc. of PA's Breath of Life, the Central PA Insurance Person of the Year, the PA Assoc. of Rehabilitation Facilities Leadership Award, the American Heart Assoc. affiliate special recognition for AED Legislation, the Managed Care Assoc. of PA Legislator of the Year, the American Trauma Assoc. support of Trauma Prevention Education, the Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry Counties Mental Health Assoc., the County Commissioner Assoc. Friend of Co. Govt., the Susan P. Byrnes Education Center, the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Citizens Against Higher Taxes Taxpayer Hero, the United Methodist Home for Children, and the National Assoc. of Life Underwriters Humanitarian of the Year.
Representing the West Shore as a State Lawmaker for nearly 3 decades, Hal was first elected to the state House in 1976 and subsequently never lost a legislative election. He was not regarded as a political partisan, preferring to build consensus across party lines to secure passage of key legislation for the betterment of Pennsylvania and of that which best served his constituents. During seven terms in the state House of Representatives from 1977 until 1990, Mowery achieved a reputation for expertise on fiscal and pension issues, advocating for the application of business principles to public programs and state spending. He was a key player in the formation of the Public Employee Retirement Commission. He helped develop and provide funding for substantial security changes needed in the wake of the Camp Hill prison riot. He served on a number of House committees, was the Minority Chmn. of the Liquor Control Comm. and a memb. of the Insurance Comm. Of great significance to Mowery was combating binge drinking on college campuses and initiating hearings among college and university presidents to address this problem.
In 1990, Mowery became part of state political history as the Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. on the ticket headed by Barbara Hafer. Two years later, Mowery won a hotly contested Republican primary to replace the "late" state Sen. John Hopper, and went on to win the general election in 1992 when he was elected to represent the 31st Senatorial District in the PA Senate, and served until retirement in 2004. His leadership included serving as: Chair of the Public Health & Welfare Comm., as Vice Chair of the Education Comm. and the Legislative Data Processing Comm., and as a memb. of the Aging & Youth, Banking & Insurance, Communications & Technology, Law & Justice, Labor & Industry, and Rules & Executive Nominations Committees. He also served on the Capitol Preservation Comm., the Children's Health Advisory Counc., the Firefighters and Emergency Services Caucus, the Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus; the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority, the Intergovernmental Counc. on Long Term Care, the State Interagency Coordinating Counc. for Early Intervention, and the Joint Legislative Arthritis and Osteoporosis Caucus, which he established and co-chaired.
During Mowery's tenure, he enriched the lives of Pennsylvanians as co-chair of the Public Health & Welfare Committee leading efforts that resulted in the reform of comprehensive managed care and welfare legislation and the passage of legislation providing adequate funding of mental health retardation services in hospitals. In addition, he worked diligently for the passage of comprehensive tort reform and school funding reform; and, spearheading an aggressive effort to stop the Dickinson School of Law from leaving Carlisle, where it still remains as part of the educational stability of the region. Additionally, he helped launch Holy Spirit TeenLine, which provides behavioral health services, a crisis line and a suicide prevention program for children and adolescents and their families. He led the fight to amend the state Sunshine Law to prevent vacancies on public boards and commissions from being filled through a secret process. He helped turn major HMO reforms into law, was an outspoken advocate of tort reform to curtail excessive and costly litigation, and helped secure substantial state funding for the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on the campus of Shippensburg Univ. As a tireless advocate for his constituents and Pa., he left an indelible mark on the Commonwealth.
After retiring from the Senate, Mowery resumed an active role in his insurance business while enjoying his family. More than anything, Hal was a man committed to his family and friends. Hal, a long-time member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, was an avid golfer, a member of the Pelican Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Fla. and 50 year member of the West Shore Country Club. "Hal and Phyl" have been long-time residents of Camp Hill where they are prominent leaders, and applauded for their significant contributions to a multitude of charitable causes. They have been honored for their extensive community involvement and achievements, including helping to create Camp Hill's Lion Foundation to enhance academic, athletic, and cultural resources, assisting with securing the Grace Milliman Pollock donation for the construction of the state-of-the art Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, providing the Borough of Camp Hill with the Mowery Family Press Box, investing in the Computer and Technology lab at CHSD, and as a former board member raising money for the "Pride of the Susquehanna". Mowery's stellar performance alongside Betsy Palmer in Messiah College's "Love Letters" benefitted the Allied Arts Fund. Mowery aided many other charities through sponsorships of benefits, galas and golf tournaments.
Sen. Mowery's professional expertise, his extensive community involvement and the myriad of awards and accolades which he has received stand as strong testimony to his genuine concern for the well-being of the Commonwealth. He truly is a shining example of public service at its best and a role model worthy of emulation for generations to come.
Myers-Harner Funeral Home, Camp Hill
~ ~ ~
Pottsville Republican March 5, 2014:
Harrisburg-Harold F. "Hal" Mowery Jr., a former state lawmaker for nearly three decades from central Pennsylvania, has died. He was 84.
Mowery's son, Ted Mowery said his father died Monday night after battling several illnesses, including pneumonia.
Retired State Senator.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. "Hal" as he was so fondly called, spent a lifetime enjoying and helping everyone he encountered as he truly made the Commonwealth of PA a better place in which to live, work and raise a family. He was an extraordinary state leader, dedicated public servant, a well respected businessman, a diligent advocate for children, education, healthcare, and business, an exemplary community-minded citizen, an extra special family man, a loyal friend, an adoring devoted husband, a beloved father, a doting grandfather and a great-grandfather.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr., 84, was born on January 4, 1930 in Chambersburg, Pa., the oldest son of Harold F. and Mary Strohm Mowery. Hal grew up in Mech., and the family had an orchard in N. York Co. where he formed his outstanding work ethic. He graduated from Mech. HS and Dickinson College with a BA in Economics and Psychology and was a memb. of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He then married his partner in life of 60 years, his wife Phyllis Shearer Mowery who survives him. In addition, are his surviving sister Lois Ann Layton of St. Petersburg, FLA. and brother Richard E. Mowery (wife Roberta) of Mech. Hal is predeceased by an infant brother Edward and brother Donald Mowery.
Also surviving are his children Harold F. Mowery, III (wife Teena), and Theodore W. Mowery (wife Lisa), both of Mech., and Phyllis Denise Mowery VanGavree (husband Michael) of Hummelstown; grandchildren Julie Mowery Young (husband Nathan), Garrett Mowery, Adam Mowery (fiancé Kate Lester), Ashley Mowery, Jamie Mowery (fiancé Garrett Lewis), Lexis Mowery, Haley Mowery, and Cutter VanGavree; along with great granddaughter Amelia Young, and many nieces and nephews.
Hal entered the insurance business in 1954 and earned a chartered life underwriter degree (CLU). Over the years, he founded highly successful insurance businesses including Professional Insurance Services, Inc., Mowery Associates, Inc., Gunn Mowery LLC, Professional Financial Advisors and Gaughen Insurance, Inc. and often mentored young entrepreneurs. In addition to his career, the proud father of three, enjoyed coaching Little League and participating in Indian Princess Guides. Regarded as a top business leader, Hal was Past Pres. of the Hbg. Gen. Agents and Managers Assoc., and a memb. of the National Assoc. of Federated Insurance Agents (NAFIA). He was Past Memb. of: the Cumberland Valley Region Advisory Bd., Mellon Bank, the Advisory Bd. for Commonwealth Bank, Hbg. Assoc. of Life Underwriters, the Bd. of the American Institute of Professional Assoc. Group Administrators, the Hbg. Estate Planning Counc., the Bd. of Miller's Mutual, and the West Shore and Hbg. Chambers of Commerce. He was an Assoc. Memb. of the Society of Pension Actuaries and a Guest Lecturer for Penn State's Insurance Dept.
Hal was extremely involved in the "life of the community," where he volunteered, serving on numerous boards and committees, including Pres. of the Camp Hill School Bd., memb. of the Holy Spirit Corp. Bd. of Directors, Hbg. Consistory and Zembo Temple, and Past Chmn. of the Bd. for the Cumberland Co. American Cancer Society - S.E. Region. Additionally, he spent his life "giving back" and undertaking charitable fundraising for Holy Spirit's Ortenzio Heart Center, the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, the Assoc. for the Blind, the United Methodist Home for Children, the Military Museum, and the PA Coalition Against Rape's Vision of Hope. As a Bd. Memb. for the Keystone Counc. of the Boy Scouts of America, Sen. Mowery was the proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for Scouting. Awards and recognitions were abundant throughout the years, also including: the American Lung Assoc. of PA's Breath of Life, the Central PA Insurance Person of the Year, the PA Assoc. of Rehabilitation Facilities Leadership Award, the American Heart Assoc. affiliate special recognition for AED Legislation, the Managed Care Assoc. of PA Legislator of the Year, the American Trauma Assoc. support of Trauma Prevention Education, the Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry Counties Mental Health Assoc., the County Commissioner Assoc. Friend of Co. Govt., the Susan P. Byrnes Education Center, the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Citizens Against Higher Taxes Taxpayer Hero, the United Methodist Home for Children, and the National Assoc. of Life Underwriters Humanitarian of the Year.
Representing the West Shore as a State Lawmaker for nearly 3 decades, Hal was first elected to the state House in 1976 and subsequently never lost a legislative election. He was not regarded as a political partisan, preferring to build consensus across party lines to secure passage of key legislation for the betterment of Pennsylvania and of that which best served his constituents. During seven terms in the state House of Representatives from 1977 until 1990, Mowery achieved a reputation for expertise on fiscal and pension issues, advocating for the application of business principles to public programs and state spending. He was a key player in the formation of the Public Employee Retirement Commission. He helped develop and provide funding for substantial security changes needed in the wake of the Camp Hill prison riot. He served on a number of House committees, was the Minority Chmn. of the Liquor Control Comm. and a memb. of the Insurance Comm. Of great significance to Mowery was combating binge drinking on college campuses and initiating hearings among college and university presidents to address this problem.
In 1990, Mowery became part of state political history as the Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. on the ticket headed by Barbara Hafer. Two years later, Mowery won a hotly contested Republican primary to replace the "late" state Sen. John Hopper, and went on to win the general election in 1992 when he was elected to represent the 31st Senatorial District in the PA Senate, and served until retirement in 2004. His leadership included serving as: Chair of the Public Health & Welfare Comm., as Vice Chair of the Education Comm. and the Legislative Data Processing Comm., and as a memb. of the Aging & Youth, Banking & Insurance, Communications & Technology, Law & Justice, Labor & Industry, and Rules & Executive Nominations Committees. He also served on the Capitol Preservation Comm., the Children's Health Advisory Counc., the Firefighters and Emergency Services Caucus, the Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus; the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority, the Intergovernmental Counc. on Long Term Care, the State Interagency Coordinating Counc. for Early Intervention, and the Joint Legislative Arthritis and Osteoporosis Caucus, which he established and co-chaired.
During Mowery's tenure, he enriched the lives of Pennsylvanians as co-chair of the Public Health & Welfare Committee leading efforts that resulted in the reform of comprehensive managed care and welfare legislation and the passage of legislation providing adequate funding of mental health retardation services in hospitals. In addition, he worked diligently for the passage of comprehensive tort reform and school funding reform; and, spearheading an aggressive effort to stop the Dickinson School of Law from leaving Carlisle, where it still remains as part of the educational stability of the region. Additionally, he helped launch Holy Spirit TeenLine, which provides behavioral health services, a crisis line and a suicide prevention program for children and adolescents and their families. He led the fight to amend the state Sunshine Law to prevent vacancies on public boards and commissions from being filled through a secret process. He helped turn major HMO reforms into law, was an outspoken advocate of tort reform to curtail excessive and costly litigation, and helped secure substantial state funding for the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on the campus of Shippensburg Univ. As a tireless advocate for his constituents and Pa., he left an indelible mark on the Commonwealth.
After retiring from the Senate, Mowery resumed an active role in his insurance business while enjoying his family. More than anything, Hal was a man committed to his family and friends. Hal, a long-time member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, was an avid golfer, a member of the Pelican Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Fla. and 50 year member of the West Shore Country Club. "Hal and Phyl" have been long-time residents of Camp Hill where they are prominent leaders, and applauded for their significant contributions to a multitude of charitable causes. They have been honored for their extensive community involvement and achievements, including helping to create Camp Hill's Lion Foundation to enhance academic, athletic, and cultural resources, assisting with securing the Grace Milliman Pollock donation for the construction of the state-of-the art Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, providing the Borough of Camp Hill with the Mowery Family Press Box, investing in the Computer and Technology lab at CHSD, and as a former board member raising money for the "Pride of the Susquehanna". Mowery's stellar performance alongside Betsy Palmer in Messiah College's "Love Letters" benefitted the Allied Arts Fund. Mowery aided many other charities through sponsorships of benefits, galas and golf tournaments.
Sen. Mowery's professional expertise, his extensive community involvement and the myriad of awards and accolades which he has received stand as strong testimony to his genuine concern for the well-being of the Commonwealth. He truly is a shining example of public service at its best and a role model worthy of emulation for generations to come.
Myers-Harner Funeral Home, Camp Hill
~ ~ ~
Pottsville Republican March 5, 2014:
Harrisburg-Harold F. "Hal" Mowery Jr., a former state lawmaker for nearly three decades from central Pennsylvania, has died. He was 84.
Mowery's son, Ted Mowery said his father died Monday night after battling several illnesses, including pneumonia.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. "Hal" as he was so fondly called, spent a lifetime enjoying and helping everyone he encountered as he truly made the Commonwealth of PA a better place in which to live, work and raise a family. He was an extraordinary state leader, dedicated public servant, a well respected businessman, a diligent advocate for children, education, healthcare, and business, an exemplary community-minded citizen, an extra special family man, a loyal friend, an adoring devoted husband, a beloved father, a doting grandfather and a great-grandfather.
Harold F. Mowery, Jr., 84, was born on January 4, 1930 in Chambersburg, Pa., the oldest son of Harold F. and Mary Strohm Mowery. Hal grew up in Mech., and the family had an orchard in N. York Co. where he formed his outstanding work ethic. He graduated from Mech. HS and Dickinson College with a BA in Economics and Psychology and was a memb. of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He then married his partner in life of 60 years, his wife Phyllis Shearer Mowery who survives him. In addition, are his surviving sister Lois Ann Layton of St. Petersburg, FLA. and brother Richard E. Mowery (wife Roberta) of Mech. Hal is predeceased by an infant brother Edward and brother Donald Mowery.
Also surviving are his children Harold F. Mowery, III (wife Teena), and Theodore W. Mowery (wife Lisa), both of Mech., and Phyllis Denise Mowery VanGavree (husband Michael) of Hummelstown; grandchildren Julie Mowery Young (husband Nathan), Garrett Mowery, Adam Mowery (fiancé Kate Lester), Ashley Mowery, Jamie Mowery (fiancé Garrett Lewis), Lexis Mowery, Haley Mowery, and Cutter VanGavree; along with great granddaughter Amelia Young, and many nieces and nephews.
Hal entered the insurance business in 1954 and earned a chartered life underwriter degree (CLU). Over the years, he founded highly successful insurance businesses including Professional Insurance Services, Inc., Mowery Associates, Inc., Gunn Mowery LLC, Professional Financial Advisors and Gaughen Insurance, Inc. and often mentored young entrepreneurs. In addition to his career, the proud father of three, enjoyed coaching Little League and participating in Indian Princess Guides. Regarded as a top business leader, Hal was Past Pres. of the Hbg. Gen. Agents and Managers Assoc., and a memb. of the National Assoc. of Federated Insurance Agents (NAFIA). He was Past Memb. of: the Cumberland Valley Region Advisory Bd., Mellon Bank, the Advisory Bd. for Commonwealth Bank, Hbg. Assoc. of Life Underwriters, the Bd. of the American Institute of Professional Assoc. Group Administrators, the Hbg. Estate Planning Counc., the Bd. of Miller's Mutual, and the West Shore and Hbg. Chambers of Commerce. He was an Assoc. Memb. of the Society of Pension Actuaries and a Guest Lecturer for Penn State's Insurance Dept.
Hal was extremely involved in the "life of the community," where he volunteered, serving on numerous boards and committees, including Pres. of the Camp Hill School Bd., memb. of the Holy Spirit Corp. Bd. of Directors, Hbg. Consistory and Zembo Temple, and Past Chmn. of the Bd. for the Cumberland Co. American Cancer Society - S.E. Region. Additionally, he spent his life "giving back" and undertaking charitable fundraising for Holy Spirit's Ortenzio Heart Center, the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, the Assoc. for the Blind, the United Methodist Home for Children, the Military Museum, and the PA Coalition Against Rape's Vision of Hope. As a Bd. Memb. for the Keystone Counc. of the Boy Scouts of America, Sen. Mowery was the proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for Scouting. Awards and recognitions were abundant throughout the years, also including: the American Lung Assoc. of PA's Breath of Life, the Central PA Insurance Person of the Year, the PA Assoc. of Rehabilitation Facilities Leadership Award, the American Heart Assoc. affiliate special recognition for AED Legislation, the Managed Care Assoc. of PA Legislator of the Year, the American Trauma Assoc. support of Trauma Prevention Education, the Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry Counties Mental Health Assoc., the County Commissioner Assoc. Friend of Co. Govt., the Susan P. Byrnes Education Center, the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Citizens Against Higher Taxes Taxpayer Hero, the United Methodist Home for Children, and the National Assoc. of Life Underwriters Humanitarian of the Year.
Representing the West Shore as a State Lawmaker for nearly 3 decades, Hal was first elected to the state House in 1976 and subsequently never lost a legislative election. He was not regarded as a political partisan, preferring to build consensus across party lines to secure passage of key legislation for the betterment of Pennsylvania and of that which best served his constituents. During seven terms in the state House of Representatives from 1977 until 1990, Mowery achieved a reputation for expertise on fiscal and pension issues, advocating for the application of business principles to public programs and state spending. He was a key player in the formation of the Public Employee Retirement Commission. He helped develop and provide funding for substantial security changes needed in the wake of the Camp Hill prison riot. He served on a number of House committees, was the Minority Chmn. of the Liquor Control Comm. and a memb. of the Insurance Comm. Of great significance to Mowery was combating binge drinking on college campuses and initiating hearings among college and university presidents to address this problem.
In 1990, Mowery became part of state political history as the Republican candidate for Lt. Gov. on the ticket headed by Barbara Hafer. Two years later, Mowery won a hotly contested Republican primary to replace the "late" state Sen. John Hopper, and went on to win the general election in 1992 when he was elected to represent the 31st Senatorial District in the PA Senate, and served until retirement in 2004. His leadership included serving as: Chair of the Public Health & Welfare Comm., as Vice Chair of the Education Comm. and the Legislative Data Processing Comm., and as a memb. of the Aging & Youth, Banking & Insurance, Communications & Technology, Law & Justice, Labor & Industry, and Rules & Executive Nominations Committees. He also served on the Capitol Preservation Comm., the Children's Health Advisory Counc., the Firefighters and Emergency Services Caucus, the Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus; the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority, the Intergovernmental Counc. on Long Term Care, the State Interagency Coordinating Counc. for Early Intervention, and the Joint Legislative Arthritis and Osteoporosis Caucus, which he established and co-chaired.
During Mowery's tenure, he enriched the lives of Pennsylvanians as co-chair of the Public Health & Welfare Committee leading efforts that resulted in the reform of comprehensive managed care and welfare legislation and the passage of legislation providing adequate funding of mental health retardation services in hospitals. In addition, he worked diligently for the passage of comprehensive tort reform and school funding reform; and, spearheading an aggressive effort to stop the Dickinson School of Law from leaving Carlisle, where it still remains as part of the educational stability of the region. Additionally, he helped launch Holy Spirit TeenLine, which provides behavioral health services, a crisis line and a suicide prevention program for children and adolescents and their families. He led the fight to amend the state Sunshine Law to prevent vacancies on public boards and commissions from being filled through a secret process. He helped turn major HMO reforms into law, was an outspoken advocate of tort reform to curtail excessive and costly litigation, and helped secure substantial state funding for the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on the campus of Shippensburg Univ. As a tireless advocate for his constituents and Pa., he left an indelible mark on the Commonwealth.
After retiring from the Senate, Mowery resumed an active role in his insurance business while enjoying his family. More than anything, Hal was a man committed to his family and friends. Hal, a long-time member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, was an avid golfer, a member of the Pelican Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Fla. and 50 year member of the West Shore Country Club. "Hal and Phyl" have been long-time residents of Camp Hill where they are prominent leaders, and applauded for their significant contributions to a multitude of charitable causes. They have been honored for their extensive community involvement and achievements, including helping to create Camp Hill's Lion Foundation to enhance academic, athletic, and cultural resources, assisting with securing the Grace Milliman Pollock donation for the construction of the state-of-the art Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, providing the Borough of Camp Hill with the Mowery Family Press Box, investing in the Computer and Technology lab at CHSD, and as a former board member raising money for the "Pride of the Susquehanna". Mowery's stellar performance alongside Betsy Palmer in Messiah College's "Love Letters" benefitted the Allied Arts Fund. Mowery aided many other charities through sponsorships of benefits, galas and golf tournaments.
Sen. Mowery's professional expertise, his extensive community involvement and the myriad of awards and accolades which he has received stand as strong testimony to his genuine concern for the well-being of the Commonwealth. He truly is a shining example of public service at its best and a role model worthy of emulation for generations to come.
Myers-Harner Funeral Home, Camp Hill
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Pottsville Republican March 5, 2014:
Harrisburg-Harold F. "Hal" Mowery Jr., a former state lawmaker for nearly three decades from central Pennsylvania, has died. He was 84.
Mowery's son, Ted Mowery said his father died Monday night after battling several illnesses, including pneumonia.
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