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GREENWICH, Conn. Richard M. Harmonay of Greenwich died July 23 surrounded by family. He was 83.
Harmonay was born Jan. 18, 1929, in Yonkers, N.Y., the youngest of 12 children born to Michael and Mary Harmonay. He graduated from Gorton High School in Yonkers in 1946 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
After the war, Harmonay played varsity basketball at Iona College, graduating in 1953. He then studied mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. For 30 years, Harmonay served as a senior executive at Michael Harmonay Corporation, his family's mechanical contracting and real estate development firm.
A prominent figure in New York thoroughbred horse racing, Harmonay recorded more than 200 victories during a five-year period in the 1970s. He was a national leading horseman in 1979, winning three races on a single day at Belmont Park.
Harmonay was a former member of the Turtle Creek Golf Club in Tequesta, Fla. and a longstanding member of the Westchester Country Club in Harrison, N.Y. He was also active in the Greenwich Youth Recreational Program as a coach and manager for many years.
He was a member of the Iona College Goal Club and a volunteer at Greenwich Hospital for the past 15 years.
Harmonay is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn; five children, Richard Harmonay Jr., of Danbury, Robert Harmonay, of Bridgeport, Kenneth Harmonay, of Morris Township, N.J., Kevin (Jackie) Harmonay, of Stamford, and James Harmonay, of Stamford; nine grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Greenwich. Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home in Greenwich was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
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