Frank Harris Harvey, Jr.

Frank Harris Harvey Jr, 92, lovingly known by his family and friends as “Whidd,” died peacefully on January 25, 2023, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.  Whidd had a quick wit with a twinkle in his eye, a gentle smile, and an abundance of unconditional love that greatly impacted all whose lives he touched. He was deeply loved for his generous selfless heart, deep Christian faith and his service to God. His outpouring of love was and continues to be a testament of his quiet demeanor, keen mind, rich personality and gentle soul. He was a mentor and role model to many. 

Frank lived his life based on the following principle: Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) And he inspired so many others to live their lives accordingly.

Frank was born to Frank Harris Harvey Sr. (former Judge, Summit County Court of Common Pleas) and Mary Miller Harvey on October 10,1930.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Robbin W. Harvey; his brother, Robert Miller Harvey, and his daughter, Mary Earlene Harvey.  He is survived by his children Robert Scot Harvey of Dayton and Char Harvey Glatley of Shaker Heights (Larry); his grandchildren Mary (Patrick) Bulford, William Harvey, Elizabeth (Kyle) Harvey-Dobbins, Michael (Hannah) Harvey, Melanie (fiancé Nick) Harvey, Blake Glatley, and Spencer Glatley; and eight great grandchildren, Vincent, Noah, Lena, Chip, Elijah, Evangeline, Luke, and Iris.

Frank lived in Akron most his life. He attended Fairlawn Elementary School, Mercersburg Academy (Class of 1948), Princeton University (Class of 1952), and Case Western Reserve University School of Law (Class of 1955). He met the love of his life, Robbin, while attending law school. They were married in 1955, 57 years before Robbin passed away. Frank landed a job as a lawyer in the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. A few years later Frank and Robbin moved back to Akron where Frank was hired by the law firm Brouse McDowell, where he spent the rest of his career. In 1961, Frank and Robbin were blessed with their first child, followed by two more in 1963 and 1967. Frank and his family enjoyed spending their summers at their Portage Lakes cottage in “Miller’s Grove” on the shore of East Reservoir, and taking winter ski trips at various locations.

Frank had a stellar legal career specializing in corporate and securities law and providing outstanding services to his clients, most notably Knight-Ridder and FirstMerit, both of which he took public. He also served on the Ohio Board of Bar Examiners and was active in the Akron Bar Association. Frank’s career was capped by his outstanding service as Brouse McDowell’s Managing Partner from 1984 until 1989. Frank retired in 1995, although he continued to serve in an Of Counsel capacity. He and Robbin continued to spend their time in service to their community, traveling the world, and of course spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who they adored.

Frank’s dedicated service to the Akron community was so widespread it cannot be completely catalogued here. Some notable examples of Frank’s outstanding service to his community in leadership roles are: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Open M, the Furnace Street Mission, Victims Assistance, the Visiting Nurses Association, Western Reserve Legal Services, and the Kiwanis Club of Akron. 

Frank was an avid tennis player, skier, and traveler with Robbin. They loved traveling the world, attending the Cleveland Orchestra and concerts, and hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.                                       

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. SATURDAY, February 4th, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron 44313 with the Rev. Mark J. Pruitt officiating. A reception will follow at Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, 44303. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. FRIDAY, February 3rd, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron 44333.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Frank’s honor to OPEN M, 941 Princeton Street, Akron, Ohio 44311 or visit Openm.Org.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.