Obituary of Robert Dean Harvey

Robert D. Harvey, 67, of Niles passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was born to the late Robert and Barbara (Stephenson) Harvey, in Coldwater, Michigan on February 7, 1955. Robert graduated from Coldwater High School, and went on to attend Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University where he obtained his master’s degree in Education. At a ceremony in Coldwater, on June 26, 1982, Robert wed Mary J. Leonard, and to that union three children were born. Robert dedicated his life to education, whether it was continuing his life-long desire to learn new things, or being an amazing teacher. He retired from teaching in 2019, after forty years with the Niles Public Schools. During that time he taught at Southside Elementary School and even taught drivers training classes through All Star. He also enjoyed time watching Edwardsburg High School Basketball. He was a past member of the Milton Township Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an active volunteer and member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg He was an avid reader, and enjoyed watching the classic TV show Gunsmoke, or new movies with his wife. He was quick to make “classic dad jokes” and loved meeting new people. His most treasured moments were spent vacationing or spending time with his family, friends and dog. He is preceded in death by his parents. Robert will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary Harvey of Niles, his children; Heather (Dann Giszewski) of South Bend, Indiana; Katie Harvey (Zac Kush) of South Bend, Indiana; Patrick Harvey of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two grandchildren, Allison & Guinevere; sister, Jeanean (Gary) Petter of Texas and his dog and faithful companion, Sanchez. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 2, 2022, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg, with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the Niles Salvation Army, 424 N. Fifteenth St., Niles, Michigan 49120. The family suggests masks due to the high covid rates, although it is not required.