Harry Preston Rash

Harry Preston Rash, age 84, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Harry was born at home in Wyoming, DE, on March 20, 1937, to the late Brook W. and Orpha A. (Shiles) Rash. Harry was a graduate of Brown Vocational Technical High School with a degree in culinary arts. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Berlin Wall Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Harry also served in the Navy Reserves, Delaware National Guard, Army Reserves, and the Maryland National Guard. While Harry was in the Army Reserves, his unit was called to Desert Storm. He was very proud that he was active duty during Desert Storm, though he served in the United States during that time. Harry held many jobs throughout his life, but most notably he worked for the DuPont Company, was the assistant manager of Mr. Steak Restaurant, dry cleaner for Betty Brite Cleaners, and held different jobs for the Dart Bus Company. He retired from Dart Bus Company as a diesel mechanic with over 20 years of service. In his spare time, he loved watching Philadelphia sports and John Wayne movies. Harry was a member of the Odd Fellows, and was a Sea Scout leader. Strong in his faith, he was a lifelong member of the Methodist church. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine E. (Gorrera) Rash; foster parents, William and Madeline Walker; siblings, George, William, Jack (Dee), and Mary Knight. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Coleen R. Walls and Diana White; step-children, Vicky Petterson, Patricia Sacco, and John Kuczko; 6 grandchildren, Brook A. White, James J. Walls III, Amanda C. White, Jennie L. Walls, Tina Petterson, and Philip Stern; sister, Jessie Talmo; sisters-in-law, Marguerite Rash and Shirley Rash; brothers-in-law, Bruce Knight and Fred Gorrera; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Peniel United Methodist Church, 115 E Market St, Newport, DE 19804, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the Governor of Delaware. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry’s memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 (online by clicking here) or to Peniel United Methodist Church at the address listed above.

Harry Preston Rash

March 20, 1937 - August 24, 2021