Harvey Stuart Madgitz, 79, ended his long battle with cancer on July 1 in his home in Leland, NC. He left this world the way he lived his life, peacefully and with his family. Harvey was born in Detroit, MI, in 1942 and moved to PA in the late 1970’s, where he met his wife, Faye. They lived in the Lehigh Valley until 2014, when they moved to Leland to enjoy golf, the beaches and warmer winters.
A true craftsman, Harvey turned a candle making hobby into a lifetime career. He started out doing craft shows throughout the country. Eventually he and his wife formed the company WaxWorks, later renamed Celebration Candles, which grew from the two of them working in a garage to, at its peak, an Allentown, PA, based company employing 100 people.
An avid golfer, Harvey could be found enjoying a round on many of the area’s golf courses. He loved the game and his golf buddies and was sad when his illness took him away from his favorite pastime. But he was best known for his kindness, sense of humor and genuine love of life. Everyone loved “the Harv”.
Harvey is survived by his wife of 40 years, Faye Dorney Madgitz, 5 children and 3 grandchildren: Melinda Cemkov of Scottdale, AZ; Kevin Magitz of Seattle, WA; Jennifer Crawford, husband Mike and grandson Brody of Battle Creek, MI; Jessica Madgitz, husband Anthony Piscitelli and grandsons Julian and Owen of Washington, DC; and Kristen Madgitz of Philadelphia, PA. He also leaves behind two devoted rescue dogs, Lucy and Max. He is predeceased by infant daughter Amie Madgitz, parents Albert and Lillian Magitz and sister Rita Blase.
Celebrations of life will be held privately in NC and PA. In lieu of flowers please donate to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC, or a charity of your choice.
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