BOYNTON BEACH, FL — Harry F. Ashley, Jr., of 3948 Palladium Lake Drive, Boynton Beach, FL, passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 24, 2019. Harry was born in Erie, PA, and raised in Hanover, NH (class of 1967).
He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Gisela Riess Ashley; his daughters Monika Riess Ashley (fiancee Johnny Lancaster) of Dover, NH, and Andrea Riess Kennedy (Randy) of Delray Beach, FL, as well as his beloved dogs Wolfgang and Puck. He is also survived by his sisters Nannette Schwartzman (Joe) of Norwich, Vt., Sue Gatley (Richard) of Keene, NH, and Kim Murphy (Jack) of Hampton, NH; brothers Dean Ashley of Fernandina Beach, FL, and Paul Ashley (Sue Lyn) of Wolfeboro, NH; and six nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Harry F. Ashley, Sr. and mother Marjorie.
Harry was a talented craftsman, honing his skills at the boatbuilding school in Bath, Maine. His carved half-hull models are treasured by his family and friends. Harry’s career began working in the family businesses at the Ashley House Ski Area in Hanover Center and the Rapid River Camps in Errol, NH. Working with his father, he honed a variety of skills that included tinkering with the rope tow, canoeing the rapids and teaching skiing (including at Waterville Valley Ski area) and wilderness skills. This set the foundation for a successful career as the owner of his own residential and commercial construction company.
He loved racing sailboats in the Abacos with his group of dear friends, and Harry would tell all to travel to the Abacos, Bahamas for their vacation to help them rebuild their island!
Private services will be held by family. Please visit www.LorneAndSons.com to view and sign Harry’s guestbook.