Harry Banker

Mr. Harry Banker of Mt. Vernon passed away peacefully on October, 7th, 2018 at the United Hebrew of  New Rochelle, NY.  Mr. Banker was born on July 21, 1942 at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, NY. His first years were spent in foster care through the kindness of Mrs. Sara Lohman of Interlaken, New Jersey, as well as, Mrs. Possidento of New Rochelle.  Throughout his life, his caregivers also included Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs. Margolin. Harry attended the Wassaic School and the Beacon State Facility School, both in Dutchess County. He lived in Syracuse until 1969 when he moved to Mount Vernon to find employment.  He was employed by the WARC in Yonkers and Waldbaum’s in Mt. Vernon, and volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Yonkers. Mr. Banker loved to ride the Westchester County busses and got to know many of the bus drivers by name, his favorite being Donny.  Mr. Banker frequented the Fleetwood Diner, Pizza King, and the Empire Casino.   He and his cat, Bootsie, lived in Mt. Vernon until 2009 when a decline in health resulted in a move to United Hebrew of New Rochelle, NY. Mr. Banker joined a Christian community known as The Way Ministry in 1976 where he made many friends. He loved gospel music and worshipped at the Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn. More recently, he was a member of the Fortress Bible Church in Mt. Vernon, where he had a strong network of friends who, with God, provided for all of Harry’s needs. Mr. Banker is survived by his immediate caregivers; Patricia Caruso, Kathy Livingston, Sean Gormley, and Julio Vitolo.  In addition, the Gormley Family, Ken and Judi Handwerker, Lou and Judy Bastone, Judy Barbosa, Dave and Debbie Basil, John Clancy, Phyllis Luna, and the Carpenito Family, and the extended family at Fortress Bible Church in Mt.Vernon and Brooklyn Tabernacle. Mr. Banker would not want to forget all the love and care he received from the many staff members at UHGC, especially all the nurse’s aides that were so kind, patient and loving to him, Lisette, Mary, Norma, to name a few.  He was well cared for, especially in his final days.  Joanne, Grace, and Gigi, the nurses from 2 Skalet, and Joyce, Unit Clerk, who kept Mr. Banker roped in!  The Recreational Staff, that was headed by Mila, entertained Harry with songs, celebrations and a community.  In addition, his favorite recreational activity were the monthly trips to the casino, his favorite pastime, headed by Heather and Logan.  The staff at the café, who made sure Harry had his daily ice cream or tuna sandwich.  And lastly, to thank Dr. Vincenzo Cirillo, at UHGC, who always had Harry’s best interest in mind. In Mt.Vernon, special thanks goes out to the staff at Pizza King and the Fleetwood Diner for providing him with a meal over the years, when he was in need.  He befriended everyone he met on his walks through Mt.Vernon. Yannantuono Funeral Home in Mt.Vernon will be taking care of all funeral services.  A private interment will be held at Gates of Heaven.  A celebration of his life will be scheduled in the near future. We are all a little better for knowing The King!  May he rest in peace, and save me a seat Hare!

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