Howard E. Harjar

Howard E. Harjar, 84, of Elyria, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 16, 2025.  He was born November 17, 1940 in Elyria, Ohio, where he lived the majority of his life. He graduated in 1957 from Elyria High School and then served with the USAF. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Bowling Green State University, where he completed his BA in Elementary Education and an MS in Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He worked his entire 30 year career teaching 6th grade at Allen Elementary, and later at Crestwood Elementary, Elyria. 

During his career, Howard devoted extra time and attention to create a positive and meaningful educational experience for his students.  Every year he took all the 6th grade classes for a week-long stay at Camp Iss See Kes, where students were exposed to all forms of plant life, and nature experiences. Many of his students will also remember their formal dining experience at Morton's Steakhouse, in Downtown Cleveland, after he taught them proper dining etiquette. Howard was an avid baker, historian, and lifelong learner. His love of science fiction, particularly Star Trek and Star Wars, created sci-fi nerds of all his nieces and nephews. He was also a dedicated son, who cared for his parents his entire life. 

Howard was the cherished uncle of Marla Ritter (Scott), Natalie DiSalvo (Samuel), Martin John Harjar (Debra) and Alaina McCrave (James, deceased). For the last 25 years he was also the beloved grandfather figure to his 12 great nieces and nephews, and 5 great-great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin; brother, Martin John and his beloved mother, Suzanna (née Andrejcik);

Friends will be received Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 12:00 pm until the time of a 2:00 pm Christian Funeral at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria.  Pastor Christopher Cahill of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Lodi will officiate. 

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