Honoring the Life Story of Joe Hardy

We honor the 100-year life of Joe Hardy, a dear personal friend to so many and billionaire businessman of 84 Lumber and Nemacolin, as well as countless other ventures.

Mr. Hardy kept his friends close and his family by his side. Iconoclastic in his ability to turn dreams into visions, and with a magnificent capacity for setting and accomplishing goals, Joe Hardy lived an inspirational life and leaves a tremendous legacy.

From the beginning to the end of his life, Joseph A. Hardy III was truly a man who did it all. A son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, student, graduate, pilot, gemologist, salesman, entrepreneur, commissioner, philanthropist, and super-human that embodied his favorite phrase and philosophy “nothing is impossible.”

In true Hardy fashion, Joe passed away with his cigar in his hand, surrounded by his loving family singing Broadway show tunes to comfort him at his home in Farmington, PA. He was 100 years young.

Joseph Alexander Hardy was born January 7, 1923 in Pittsburgh, a son of Norman and Katherine Hardy.

Hardy attended Mt. Lebanon High School, Shadyside Academy, and Lehigh University. During his final year at Lehigh University, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as a radioman during World War II.

In 1946, a young Joe Hardy began working for his father in the family-owned jewelry store, Hardy & Hayes. He attended the University of Pittsburgh as a part-time student during the four years he worked there and earned a degree in Industrial Engineering. It was during his time at Hardy & Hayes that Joe Hardy hit his stride as a natural salesman. He was, in fact, so good that his uncle scolded him for being too aggressive in achieving record-breaking sales. So, he knew it was time to do something on his own.

With childhood friend Ed Ryan, of Ryan Homes fame, and brothers Norman and Bob, Mr. Hardy started Green Hills Lumber in a vacant basement. This business would grow and eventually become 84 Lumber, named after the town where it was headquartered.

Courtesy of 84 Lumber

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of a former President of the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce, and well-known community member, John “Jack” Henne.

Jack passed away peacefully on Monday, September 5, 2022 at the age of 92. For many years he worked with his father, R. G. “Gerry” Henne, in the family jewelry business founded by Gerry’s father in 1887. During his time there, Jack made Henne Jewelers a pillar in the East End of Pittsburgh. After 91 years in East Liberty, he moved the store to Shadyside. It was a well-thought-out and brave move at the time which would prove to alter the lives of many.

After the store’s relocation, Jack served as President of the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce and eventually passed the baton to his three children and finally, to his only son, John, who still leads the helm today.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his wife Nancy; three grateful children: John (Dara) Henne, Anne (Sam) Rockwell and Meg (Barry) Gibson; and eight blessed grandchildren: Hunter, Kathryn, Sydney, Jack, Sam, Luke, Mark and Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and R. G. “Jerry” Henne as well as his siblings, Father Paul Henne and Peggy (Paul) Oldam.

We at the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce send our deepest condolences to the Henne Family and all those who knew and loved John “Jack” Robert Henne.

Courtesy of Think Shadyside!