HARRY LEWIS MARGULIS age 85, beloved husband for 58 years of Sue (nee Johnson); loving father of Jamie Speck (husband Charles), Bill (wife Natasha), and Rachel Margulis (husband Matthew Gundersen); devoted grandfather of Zackary Faciana; cherished son of the late William and Rae (nee Grossman); dearest brother of the late Irving Margulis (wife Suzan); loving uncle to Michael Margulis, Myra Gercak (husband Bob), and Debbie Farrell (husband Corey); dear son-in-law of the late William and Devona Johnson.
Harry was born on March 2, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, and has been a resident of South Euclid for the past 44 years.
Harry appreciated the value of education and encouraged it with every chance he could. This was very evident as he worked his way up his own educational ladder. He received his bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York. He received a master’s degree in geography from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in geography from Rutgers University.
Harry was proud to have served as a Visiting Scholar to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He dedicated over 31 years to Cleveland State University, educating students in the College of Urban Affairs. Harry was also extremely proud to be a published author of many articles in academic journals and even impressed himself when rereading his articles prior to his death.
Harry loved music and was known to have crazy singalongs around the dinner table with family. While he claimed to thoroughly hate rock music, he made exceptions for Queen and Meatloaf since he found them to be more Rock Opera or that was the explanation which led him to take his wife and children Jamie and Bill to see Queen; a concert his children will never forget even if he did not stand up on his chair. He was an amazing dad and truly a family-oriented man. He loved fishing and the tranquility of the outdoors. He went on countless camping trips with his wife, children, and grandson. Some of the earlier trips were in their VW bus. Harry and his family enjoyed traveling to Florida, Maine, Cape Cod and Prince Edward Island. Once the children were grown Harry and Sue traveled, both by car and cruise ship, to various places like Alaska, Vegas to see their daughter get married, and Canada. Harry also spent two weeks in Brazil on sabbatical during his tenure at Cleveland State University.
On September 3, 2023, Harry passed away leaving behind his wife, children, grandchild, and pet turtle Cougar missing him beyond measure.
A private family service will be held.
Cremation and arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.
Offer Condolence for the family of Harry L. Margulis
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Jessica Gross
To the Margulis family, my sincere and deepest condolences on your loss. May you find comfort in his memory.
Susan Gundersen
I wish I asked Harry more about his studies. I am particularly bad at geography. We could have had some good laughs about it. I will miss him is an understatement. I values his opinion and I loved listening to him talk about history, politics, his parents and childhood, his mother’s cooking and anything really. I can’t imagine how much his family will miss him. Wishing infinite blessings to Harry’s soul and comfort to all of you.
Candace Yaeger
Harry was great. He always had a witty retort and had a great side eye when I said something weird. He and Sue were always welcoming to me and treated me like family. I will miss our living room conversations and his smile. Love all of you. May all the good memories help bring you peace. Here if you all need. ❤️
Joan Amendola Segal
Dear Family,
It is with great sadness that I just heard about Harry’s passing. I have known him since I was eight and he was ten. He was a very dear, valued and loved friend. Of course I knew his natal family as well. It is a big loss.