John Harney Sr.

One of the treasures in my life passed away earlier this week, Mr. John D. Harney, founder of Harney & Sons Fine Teas. He was affectionately referred to as “The Chief,” “Mr. H” and sometimes: “John David Harney!” when he was naughty. I should back up a bit here. Paul Harney hired me in 2001. My desk was around the corner from The Chief’s office and he would call out to me in that signature big, musical voice, “Oh, Miss America!” — my cue to put aside my work and help him. The surface of his desk resembled a roof with a triple layer of poorly secured shingles. He claimed to know what was where and did not want me to file any correspondence in the file cabinets. There was always a cup of tea on his desk, a little sweet something close at hand and a photograph of his lovely wife, Elyse. The Chief listened to Rush Limbaugh’s radio show and liked to comment (to himself) on a point this conservative political commentator offered his listeners. Politics: local, national and world, were always open for discussion with Mr. H. In one of our talks while hunting for some elusive piece of paper hidden on his desk, I blurted out, “If the devil ran as a Republican, you’d vote for him.” And then his big laugh. My affection for him grew with every conversation. Everything that was him filled a gap missing in my life since my father’s passing. And he knew it. Paul moved me to another department, far away from The Chief. Now he called my phone, “Oh, Miss America...” and off I would go to his office for a few minutes of hunting, conversation and the gift of his laughter. God, he was such a happy and thankful person. “I am having too much fun!” was his frequently expressed mantra. I left the tea company to open my own pasta shop. Mr. H. stopped by or called every week to chat, comment on my menu or story — and usually needed a few meatballs and some spaghetti. Miss America misses you, Chief. You are a treasure in my life and I give thanks for the privilege of knowing you. Chief, you are where the good people go, so: Brew some Harney tea, read a few tea leaves but please, don’t turn the radio dial to Limbaugh! Andrea SalvadoreLime Rock