Harvey Erich Gumto
Harvey Erich Gumto, 79, of Renfrew, passed away peacefully of natural causes May 12, 2020, in Clearwater, Fla.
Harvey was born to Erich T. and Ruth (Christy) Gumto on Oct. 25, 1940. He grew up on Churchland Street, Pittsburgh, in the shadow of his family's greenhouse. He enjoyed a happy childhood with his sister, Marlene, and cousins, Harry and Paul, and graduated from the University School of Pittsburgh in 1959.
In 1961, Harvey completed his studies in Horticulture at Penn State University, where he met the love of his life, Carol Parker, whom he married in 1963.
Harvey felt the call to service and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, initially as an artilleryman and later serving in the 339th General Hospital.
Harvey took over the family business from his father, which originally started in 1906, and brought the greenhouses to Butler County in 1972. He transformed a mere cornfield into a two acre agricultural and horticultural operation, all while maintaining the same quality standards his ancestors set over 100 years ago.
It was here that he and Carol raised their three children, Lynn, Erich, and Scott. In 1985, he expanded further and opened the retail Gumto Garden Center. He also raised white-faced cattle and enjoyed his acreage as Beef and Bloom Farm. After 55 years of dedicated and passionate work, Harvey retired in 1995, passing the reins of the family business to his eldest son, Erich. After retirement, Harvey was the unofficial superintendent of the Harvey-Stebbins well pad.
Harvey was an adventurous man, as evidenced by his hot air balloon. Though he did not believe in taking days off work, when he did, he loved to ski, scuba dive, and boat. Harvey would frequently pile the family into his motorhome and take them on cross-country adventures. Though he visited numerous countries and took countless cruises, his favorite trip was always Walt Disney World. He was known for returning from every adventure with a good story, sometimes ones you heard more than once.
Known amongst his friends and family as “Captain,” he and Carol realized their dream of owning a home (and a boat) on the ocean and spent many wonderful winters in Clearwater, Fla.
Harvey was a charitable man. When someone needed help, he would quietly take up the call and never expected anything in return.
Though Harvey had many passions and was involved in multiple organizations, he was happiest when his friends and family came to visit him at “the farm” where they could enjoy a nice Scotch and share many laughs. He was an entertainer to his core.
Harvey was greatly involved in the community. He was the Past Commodore Algonquin Canoe Club, and was active in the Western Pa. Flower Growers Association.
A man of great faith, he was a member of both the Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh and the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown.
Harvey belonged to the Infinity Masonic Lodge 546 and Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh.
As an active member of the Syria Shrine and Knights and Nobles of Butler, he spent many years spreading joy as a Clown “Rosey Posey” in Syria's Harige Unit. He was past president of Caravan 14 and was past director of the ROJ Pittsburgh Court 2. Additionally, Harvey was a member of the American Legion Post 77, Butler Elks 170, and the Butler Country Club. In 2011, Harvey was awarded the 33rd Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of FreeMasonry.
Harvey is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol Parker Gumto; his children, Lynn (Tom) Martig, Erich (Raylene) Gumto, and Scott (Danielle) Gumto; his sister, Marlene Warner of California; his nephews, Mark Warner and David Warner of California; and his brother-in-law, Robert Ray (Sylvia) Parker. He is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren, Leisel (Dr. Jordan) Zabo, Brianna Martig, Esq., Jordon (Hannah) Martig, 2nd Lt. U.S. Army, Noah Gumto, Ian Gumto, Madison Gumto, and Mackenzie Gumto; as well as a multitude of cousins and friends.
GUMTO — Visitation services for Harvey Erich Gumto, who died Tuesday, May 12, 2020, will be outside at his residence from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday. The funeral services will be private.In the spirit of Harvey's frequently used motto “never miss a party,” a celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.Arrangements have been entrusted to Young Funeral Home, Butler.Much of Harvey's life was made possible by the generous donation of a kidney twenty-five years ago. As such, Harvey would encourage all who are able to become an organ donor. In addition, donations can be made in his name to the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children (1645 W. 8th St. Erie, Pa., 16505) or to the Scottish Rite Pittsburgh Learning Center (3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15237).For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.
