Former Queens Village Republican Club president Harvey E. Moder, 88, died Monday.
Moder, responsible for the club’s revival more than 20 years ago, remained active and attended board meetings until his death.
Moder led a life of service to his community, his country, and the Republican Party as a soldier, a teacher, and a leader.
A World War II veteran, Moder served in the Navy in the V-12 Officers Training Program. He also served 21 years in the FDNY and retired from the Fire Department as a lieutenant.
Moder then taught science for 21 years in the New York City public school system, and also formed a voluntary JHS marching band.
Moder served as president of the Queens Braddock Civic Association and also devoted years of service in leadership training as a Boy Scout leader, earning the Silver Beaver Award — the highest award in scouting.
One of Moder’s greatest passions was for the cause of American prisoners of war and Americans missing in action. He pursued this cause during his 50 years of leadership in the American Legion as Queens County commander; 10th district commander, and New York State Department Vice Commander. The Harvey E. Moder Hall was installed on the Creedmoor Campus by the Queens Village American Legion as a testament to his activism and leadership.
In 1993, Moder was honored by Congress for his heroic pursuit to fully account for the thousands of POW/MIA’s who were listed as missing from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts. Moder organized rallies in front of the White House and United Nations to bring awareness to this cause.
A few years ago, Moder received the highest honor of the Queens Village Republican Club at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner — the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A wake will take place from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at R. Stutzmann & Son (224-39 Jamaica Ave., Queens Village). The funeral service will be Monday, Dec. 8, beginning with a reception at 9 a.m. and services at 10 a.m. at The Church on the Hill (167-07 35th Ave., Flushing).
In lieu of flowers, Moder’s wife, Mary, requests a donation to The Church on the Hill’s “Food for Kids” program. Make checks payable to “Church on the Hill” for the program, which benefits kids in Jamaica elementary schools.
—-Paul Jannace
