David Michael Harendza

It is with profound sadness that the family of David Michael Harendza shares the news of his passing on January 19, 2021, at the age of 69, after a difficult struggle with early onset Alzheimer's. David was born in Binghamton, New York, on March 12, 1951, to Mike and Maisie Harendza. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Allen, nephew Ian Harendza, sister-in-law Carol Coon Miller, and grandson Jacob McCormick Aliengena. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Sharon; daughters Rebecca (Richard) Young & Alisa (Graeme) Harendza; his elder sisters, Susan Smarr & Judy (Jim) Rawson; brother Christopher; and his adoring grandchildren, Joshua, Mathew, Abigail, Emma-Kate, & Juliette, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A self -made man, straight out of high school, with a wife and baby, he worked 3 jobs, including at his father’s grocery store, as a butcher for Homemade Brands, and on the night shift at a GAF. However, Dave’s sterling work ethic and leadership skills ensured he quickly rose through the ranks of every business he worked in. With a resume boasting many industry juggernauts in the specialty chemical field such as GAF, Dynachem, Morton-Thiokol, Rohm and Haas, Dow Chemical, & Avantor, his managerial and directorial skills were sought the world over. His career really took off in 1979 after he & his family made the first move from upstate New York to Dynachem in southern California. Later promotions and moves included the suburbs of Chicago & Boston. Then in 1991 he & Sharon returned to California as empty nesters & subsequently moved on to Ocean Springs, the place they have called home since 1994. During Dave’s career his travels were far and wide, all over the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong, Europe, the U.K. & India. He earned the title of “Plant Doctor” by dealing with problems where-ever he was needed and, in the process, made many dear friends all over the globe. Dave was known for his great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh watching shows like MASH & Are You Being Served? When at home, he loved caring for his yard & decorating for holidays. He had a passion for food. He loved to cook, barbecue and EAT, always cooking up a storm at every holiday gathering. He had a thing for ice cream and was a connoisseur of all things chocolate, especially in his senior years. Dave had a great affinity for music, which was a source of comfort for him as he fought Alzheimer’s. He loved all genres from classical piano to Enya to hard core rock-n-roll. He & Sharon even managed a rock band in the early 70’s. Dave was always whistling or singing along & drumming his fingers to the beat. Rumor has it he was known as the Karaoke King whilst on business trips to Asia. He loved to relax with a cold beer and a cigar. He religiously read the Wall Street Journal, enjoyed major league baseball, was a golf enthusiast, and once won a great legs contest. He relished his trips to Hong Kong, fishing in Cabo San Lucas and on the Kern River, Spring Training in Orlando and summer trips to Destin with his grandchildren. Dave loved many things, his family most of all... and chocolate! His family wishes to thank the staff at Canon Hospice in Gulfport for their compassionate care and for allowing us to be with him in his final days here on earth. A visitation will be held Sunday, January 31st from 1-4 pm with a 3:30 pm memorial service at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home at 911 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Dave to the Alzheimer's Association or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harendza family.