Harvey Stuart Madgitz

April 18, 1942 - July 1, 2021
Harvey Stuart Madgitz

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Harvey Stuart Madgitz, 79, ended his long battle with cancer on July 1 in his home in Leland, NC. He left this world the way he lived his life, peacefully and with his family. Harvey was born in Detroit, MI, in 1942 and moved to PA in the late 1970’s, where he met his wife, Faye. They lived in the Lehigh Valley until 2014, when they moved to Leland to enjoy golf, the beaches and warmer winters.

A true craftsman, Harvey turned a candle making hobby into a lifetime career. He started out doing craft shows throughout the country. Eventually he and his wife formed the company WaxWorks, later renamed Celebration Candles, which grew from the two of them working in a garage to, at its peak, an Allentown, PA, based company employing 100 people.
An avid golfer, Harvey could be found enjoying a round on many of the area’s golf courses. He loved the game and his golf buddies and was sad when his illness took him away from his favorite pastime. But he was best known for his kindness, sense of humor and genuine love of life. Everyone loved “the Harv”.

Harvey is survived by his wife of 40 years, Faye Dorney Madgitz, 5 children and 3 grandchildren: Melinda Cemkov of Scottdale, AZ; Kevin Magitz of Seattle, WA; Jennifer Crawford, husband Mike and grandson Brody of Battle Creek, MI; Jessica Madgitz, husband Anthony Piscitelli and grandsons Julian and Owen of Washington, DC; and Kristen Madgitz of Philadelphia, PA. He also leaves behind two devoted rescue dogs, Lucy and Max. He is predeceased by infant daughter Amie Madgitz, parents Albert and Lillian Magitz and sister Rita Blase.

Celebrations of life will be held privately in NC and PA. In lieu of flowers please donate to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC, or a charity of your choice.

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  • July 03, 2021
    MICHELE Compton says:
    I am so saddened that my wonderful cousin is gone. From my earliest memories there was Harvey. As a little girl I bugged the much cooler teenager but he took it all in stride. He was always good to me over all the years and was such a good soul. We will miss him

  • July 23, 2021
    Jim and Maxine Yeager says:
    Faye, You and Harvey made Brookside a better place. Both of you are greatly missed.

  • July 23, 2021
    Jim and Maxine Yeager says:
    Faye, You and Harvey made Brookside a better place. Both of you are missed.

  • July 12, 2021
    Michael McIntyre says:
    I socialized and played golf with Harvey at Brookside country club. He was always in a good mood and provided laughter for all. A kind and gentle man. He will be missed. I’m sure he thought it was corny, but I called him the invisible rabbit after an old movie.

  • July 04, 2021
    Gerald T. Stanewick says:
    I will miss his laugh and his endless collection of putters. My life is fuller having known him and being his friend.