January 8th, 2023 by WCBC Radio
84 Lumber and Nemacolin resort founder Joseph A. Hardy III died Saturday on his 100th birthday, A statement from the family said the following:
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph A. Hardy, III. The Hardy family lost their patriarch and all-around great man. Many knew Joe as a brilliant businessman and enthusiastic entrepreneur. Even with his vast success, Joe always remembered what matters most: people. He helped make the American dream real for so many, and he will be greatly missed.
"Joe proved that nothing is impossible by willing himself to his 100th birthday. His family is beyond proud of him for making this final accomplishment."
Hardy was born in 1923 in Upper St. Clair. After serving as a lieutenant and Air Forces radioman during World War II, he earned an engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh and joined the family's jewelry company, according to the 84 Lumber website and a Nemacolin news release. He opened Green Hills Lumber in Bridgeville at age 31 before joining his two younger brothers to open a cash-and-carry lumberyard in the rural town of Eighty Four in 1956. The new 84 Lumberyard served professional homebuilders centered on the region covering Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The billionaire grew 84 Lumber into one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States.
Hardy is survived by three stepsons, his second wife as well as his current wife, according to Beinhauer Funeral Home.
Family and friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Beinhauer Funeral Home in McMurray. A public service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in Westminster Presbyterian Church followed by full military honors. Non-family members are encouraged to make donations in my name to Habitat for Humanity or The Pennsylvania Classic Foundation.
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