Obituary of Harry E. VanZile

Harry E. VanZile, 77, of Middlebury Center, Pa, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at UPMC Williamsport following a brief illness. Harry was born in Blossburg, Pa on August 26, 1946, the son of the late Charles W. and Edna M. (Dailey) VanZile. He was raised in Elkland and attended Elkland schools. Harry enlisted in the US Army on December 27, 1965, serving until December 13, 1967. While serving, he had a 12 month deployment for combat duty in Vietnam. On March 22, 1966, Harry married the former Anita M. White in Elkland. Anita preceded him in death on February 21, 2014. Harry and Anita made their home together in Tioga where they resided until purchasing a home in Middlebury Center. Harry began a 26 year career with Corning Inc. where he had been employed as a millwright and kiln operator. He had worked at the Fallbrook and Refractory plants. He recently received his 50 year service pin from Corning. Harry loved anything involving cars. He owned many collectable models of all makes over the years. He also enjoyed motorcycling and was a founding member of the Iron Reign Motorcycle Club. He loved the outdoors and spent treasured time with his family camping, boating and fishing. Harry enjoyed watching the pheasants that often appeared at the back of his property. He was a member of the Elkland Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and social member at the Knoxville Fire Hall. Harry is survived by his children, Melissa Barr and Greg Nelson of Tioga, Pa, Dale VanZile of Tioga and Robert and Tiffany VanZile of Middlebury Center, his grandchildren, Dustin Barr (Courtney), Zakkary Barr, Anthony Nelson, Nikita (Troy) McWhorter, Kraig VanZile, Alisha Bieri, Chelsea VanZile, Keegan VanZile and Raygen VanZile, several great grandchildren, including Xavier and Stephen who spent so much time with their great grandfather, his sister, Patty Carr of Caton and several nieces and nephews. Harry was predeceased by his wife Anita, his parents, his brothers, Elwin, David and Dennis VanZile and sisters, Dorlene Young, Doris Surine and Marilyn VanZile. Friends may call on Tuesday, February 6 from noon to 2 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Funeral services will follow there at 2 pm with Rev. Brian Diffenbacher officiating Burial, with military honors, will be made in Addison Rural Cemetery.