Harry E. Vorbach, age 92, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 20, 2022. He passed peacefully away with his wife by his side.

Harry was born in 1929 in St. Paul Minnesota, but spent most of his life in New York State, prior to relocating to Arkansas in 1992 with Carmella, his wife of 46 years.

Harry's father Edward was in the entertainment industry and traveled for most of the year. Harry's mother, Ebba ruled with an iron fist, singlehandedly raising Harry and his two twin brother Charles and Joe Vorbach. When Harry was about 13 years old, his mother made the decision to move the family further "upstate" New York. Harry said, "I am so thankful for my mother's decision [to move the family]." Rockland County, New York was an environment in which Harry and his brothers thrived. Harry was supported by a network of caring teachers and coaches who helped set him on a righteous path of life.

"The Lord brought people into my life that took an interest in me and their influence changed the direction of my life," said Harry.

Harry, Charles and Joe were known for their many athletic accomplishments. Harry earned sixteen Varsity letters at Congers High School and went on to attend college and play on undefeated soccer teams at Panzer College and Cortland State College. He earned a Master of Science in Early Secondary Education from New Paltz College in 1960. He worked his way through college as a law enforcement officer for Palisades Park, where he remained employed for ten years.

Always a man of duty, Harry voluntarily left Panzer college (even though he was attending on a full sports scholarship) to enlist in the Navy. While he was in boot camp, the FBI showed up at his mother's door looking for Harry Vorbach, the "draft dodger." Punctuality was another of Harry's virtues. In this case, he even beat the clock of the United States Military.

The U.S. Navy was formative to Harry's early life. He served from1949-1953 during the Korean War on a Navy cruiser, the USS Worcester CL-144. Harry was always ready with a story of his life in the U.S. Navy and stated that he felt the protection of the Lord in his life.  Harry said, "I could always hear the Lord telling me, 'No, don't go there. No, don't do that.' The still small voice always guided me." He was especially proud that he learned to understand and respect the diverse cultures of the places where he served.

He received the U.S. Navy combat action ribbon, national defense medal, good conduct medal, Korean Ribbon, two battle stars, and the China service medal.

Being influenced and guided by mentors motivated Harry to want to do the same for others. He dedicated his life to working with youth in education and sports. For thirty years, he taught at a variety of levels in New York state.

Harry was an especially dedicated and talented athletic coach. He led sixty-nine teams to victory in State and County Championships and was influential in encouraging the development of girls sports programs in N.Y. state. He coached soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track throughout his career.

In 1987, he was named Mid-Hudson Athletic Coach of the Year and in 1990, he was named the Orange County League Volleyball Coach of the Year.

One of his volleyball athletes inscribed a book to him saying, "I honestly can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me."

Upon moving to Bella Vista, Harry became a die-hard Razorbacks fan and continued his service through coaching. He coached Rogers High School girls' soccer for two years, and Upwards soccer and basketball and AWANA club at First Baptist Church of Rogers.

During retirement Harry loved biking (motorcycle!), boating and bowling. He and Carmella could be found boating on Beaver Lake most of the summer. Bowling became his favorite sport and he participated on several leagues. Harry and Carmella attended Village Bible Church in Bella Vista.

Despite his many achievements, Harry was not a "showboat."  Harry was an ordinary man who went about life quietly doing his duty to family and country. He was a steady, faithful husband, father, and friend.

He is survived by his wife Carmella Vorbach of Bella Vista, Arkansas; son Edward Vorbach of Spencerport, N.Y and grandson Kyle Vorbach of Los Angeles, CA;  daughter Nancy Stocker and grandson Karl Stocker of Sodus, N.Y; stepdaughter Andrea Dean and grandson Kanoe Phillips of Hawi, Hawaii; stepson Gary Swanander of St. John, USVI; stepson Andrew Swanander, wife Nicole Swanander and grandchildren Ethan Swanander and Gavin Swanander of New Paltz, N.Y.; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Harry said, "I'm grateful to teachers, coaches, my high school principal, supportive officers in the Navy, college professors, loyal colleagues, and most importantly to the Lord, who worked all things together to mold and use my life for His purposes."

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Village Bible Church, 1591 Forest Hills Boulevard, Bella Vista.

On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.