Harold Debrovner

Harold Debrovner of Delray Beach, Florida; Wynnewood, PA; and White Plains, NY; passed away surrounded by his family on July 24 due to complications from sepsis. He was 92.

Harold was an extraordinary man. Outgoing, upbeat, generous, dependable and strong, he made friends wherever he went, from fellow travelers on trips around the world to the waitstaffs at his favorite restaurants. He met every problem in life head on – from mastering the computer, to neuropathy resulting from chemotherapy, to becoming a widower after 53 years of marriage – with a practical determination that allowed him to overcome the odds and move forward with independence until the end.

Born November 22, 1931, he grew up in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, NY. He attended NYU and Northeastern University and received a master’s degree in Engineering. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He worked most of his life at his family’s company, Union Standard, buying and selling machinery used to make and package candy and baked goods.

In 1967 he married Marcia Gellert Debrovner, a divorcee with two small children, whom he treated like his own. They had a third child together in 1968. Their life together highlighted family, friends, and travel: over his lifetime they visited six continents, including Antarctica. Other passions included model trains, golf, and football. He survived cancer twice and for many years ran a support group for cancer patients at White Plains Hospital. He was honored for his volunteer work by the American Cancer Society.

After retirement, Harold was active in the Old Guard in White Plains, NY, until he and Marcia moved to Wynnewood, PA, to be near family; and Delray Beach, FL, where they were active in the Boca Delray community. He spent his final years living independently in the Abbey Delray community, where he served on an advisory board and worked out in the gym every day.

Harold leaves behind his children, Gail Debrovner, Rob Sussman (Mirka Sussman) and Ilene Rosen (Mark Rosen); his granddaughters Pamela, Caroline, and Julia Rosen, and his niece, Emily Debrovner Bavouset.

Donations may be sent to The American Cancer Society, Hadassah, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

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