Harry Bernard DeShong, Jr. passed away September 12, 2007. It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Harry Bernard DeShong, Jr. announce his passing. Although his death was premature, his life will be remembered as filled with love, excitement and adventure. Harry was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on December 27, 1948 to Elaine and Harry DeShong. The family moved to Phoenix in 1951. He developed a love of the automobile as a young man, raced midget cars and restored many cars. Harry also proudly served our great nation in the United States Army during Vietnam. During Harry's military service, he served as an Army Ranger in a long-range reconnaissance unit for the Big Red One. He was awarded a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars- Oak Clusters and a Purple Heart- and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Harry was a graduate of Arizona State University and served on the St. Mary's Food Bank Board of Directors in 1995 and on the Arizona Chamber of Commerce Transportation Advisory Committee in 1994. Harry had a long and successful career with U-Haul. Most recently as Executive Vice President of Product for U-Haul International; Harry DeShong oversaw a personnel complement of 3,500 and was responsible for the research, design, development, engineering, testing, manufacturing and repair of the U-Haul truck and trailer product lines. Harry's career with U-Haul spanned 39 years, during which time he held various positions throughout the United States. Most notably, from 1976 to 1984, Harry was President of the U-Haul Co. of Western New York and in 1988, he returned to the Phoenix area, accepting a promotion to Executive Vice President of Marketing for U-Haul International. During his tenure, Harry was instrumental in the development of the award-winning U-Haul Supergraphics program seen on every U-Haul truck and enclosed van trailer throughout the U.S. and Canada. He also served on the U-Haul International Board of Directors, as well as being a member of the City of Phoenix Transportation Committee. Harry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Patti; daughter, Heather; mother, Elaine DeShong; sisters, Denise Freeman (Scott) and Diane French (Richard); nephew, Benjamin Freeman; and nieces, Gina French and Danielle Blacketer. A reception will be held in Harry's honor and memory, Monday, September 17, 2007 at the Carefree Conference Resort, 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree, AZ, 85377 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 480-991-5800.
Published in The Arizona Republic on 9/15/2007.