Harry Rebey

We lost a great man, Harry Rebey, or “one swell Joe” as he would say, on August 18, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Linda Rebey, children Mark Rebey (Janice), Jim Rebey (Mary), Denise Rebey, Michele Olenik (Tom), and Michael Rebey. Grandchildren Holly, Sarah, Melissa, Matthew, Zach, Hannah, Molly, Demi, Madison, Chloe, Haley, Zoe, Logan and Charlotte. Great grandchildren Carter, Adeline, and Liam. His dear sister Bootsie (Lorraine), and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Preceded in death by his parents Michael and Julia, brothers Michael Jr, Bond (George), Frank, Steve, Andy, and Pete. All lovingly known to each other as “Moe”, and sister Susie. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and best friends Cookie Pihulic, Nick Burbich, Jerry Fitzgerald, and cousin Johnny Riebe. All whom he missed very much and who we are confident he’s celebrating with now. 

Harry was born and raised in Hammond, Indiana on November 18th, 1931. He attended Morton High School and graduated from Hammond High. He went on to study engineering at Purdue University Calumet. He then joined the airforce in 1952, where he worked on various bombers, P-51s, and radar equipment. He spoke very fondly of this time and especially loved his time in England and Bermuda. He was always very humble and unassuming about his time in the military, but we were always incredibly proud. 

He came home and worked various jobs; one being at Towne House Lanes in Whiting, Indiana where he met his wife, our mom, Linda. The story goes that the first time he saw her he said “I’m going to marry that girl!”. He loved sharing stories about the glory days of Hammond and Gary and the home his father built next to Gibson Woods -the home he and Linda then raised their own family in. He went on to work as an Industrial Engineer & Purchasing Agent at Bethlehem Steel in Burns Harbor, Indiana, where he retired after 30 years. 

He was a lifelong learner, and he was our teacher. If he was interested in something, he shared it with us and taught us if we were interested. Whether it was art & drawing, sewing, crocheting, making his potato soup or bread, going to the library, music, golf, bowling, nature, or how to make a flotation device out of a pair of pants. He was our very own “MacGyver”... he could fix anything with a roll of duct tape, epoxy, crazy glue, popsicle sticks, or soldering gun. 

Some of his favorite things were golfing; whether with friends, or his kids and son in law, bowling; on leagues or with his family - especially when the grandkids were around, drawing, crossword puzzles, origami, and listening to Frank Sinatra. He also loved Red Lobster and a plate piled high with delicious food (with a bit of takeout left on his shirt for later). He was a 63 year member of the American Legion, officer and member of the LaCare Art League, proud supporter of Veteran causes, and lifelong member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church. 

No man is perfect, but we choose to remember and celebrate all the many good and fond memories… the many walks in the woods- often with one of his kids on his shoulders, and later right up into his 70’s, his grandchildren; laying on the floor with him watching National Geographic, Bob Ross, documentaries, or old movies; bike rides on the ‘silver streak’ swimming, Cub Scouts, riding on the floor buffer, home-made go karts, playing catch, being his tag-along, or learning from being his ‘helper’. Lets not forget his love of Lifesavers, Werthers, Ramen Noodles, and ORBEEZ. We will miss these things and so much more, but we will forever miss his smile that lit up a room and let you know how happy he was to see you. All of these things will live on in each of us- his legacy, family, and friends. You did good, Moe! We love you, “See you later alligator”... 

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 26th, 2023 from 2-6 pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd, Highland, IN, 46322. Military honors begins at 5 pm. A private burial to be held at a later date at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to William J. Riley Memorial House Hospice Home in Munster, Indiana. 

Many thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Riley House for the care given during his time there. We are forever grateful. 
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry Rebey, please visit our floral store.