1920 – 2014

APOPKA, Fla. — Harvey Lawrence Libby, 93, of Zellwood, Fla., and formerly of Coventry, Conn., and Strong, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, with his wife at his side.

Harvey was born in Strong on Dec. 13, 1920, to Ralph Bernard Libby and Roxie Stewart Libby.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mabelle Bachelder Libby; and their children, George Libby of Tavares, Fla., Frank Libby of Tavares, Fla., Helen Libby Rambush and her husband, Loren, of North Windham, Conn., and Richard Libby and his wife, Regina, of Coventry, Conn., and her son, Jesse Longway. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Lance Rambush of Rocky Hill, Conn., and Eric Rambush and his wife, Allison, of North Windham, Conn.; and his great-granddaughter, Kailyn Rambush. He is also survived by his brother’s wife, Celena Libby, of Strong, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Laurie Lambert and Barbara Stoddard; his brother, Norman; and George’s wife, Marion Woods Libby.

He graduated from Strong High School in 1940 and then attended the NYA school in Dexter to become a machinist. He served his apprenticeship and worked for Fay & Scott in Dexter, until he entered the U.S. Navy. He worked for C.H. Brackley for a short time, before moving to Connecticut.

Harvey was a World War II veteran in the U.S. Navy. He moved his family to Connecticut and worked as an experimental machinist at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Conn., from 1963 until his retirement in 1983, at the top of his profession. He was a life member of the John Libby Family Association, the Strong Historical Society and the Johnson Cox Post 78, American Legion in Strong.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Florida Hospital Apopka, Hospice of the Comforter and Sunbelt Apopka for caring for him during his illness.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilesrc.com.