Search by Name

Search by Name

Dr. David William Harsha

1949 - 2019

Dr. David William Harsha obituary, 1949-2019, Metairie, LA

FUNERAL HOME

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

1600 North Causeway Blvd

Metairie, Louisiana

David Harsha Obituary

Dr. David William Harsha, born on August 12, 1949, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2019. Dr. Harsha earned his undergraduate degree at Kansas University and his doctorate in Physical Anthropology from Tulane University. He was a leading researcher for the Bogalusa Heart Study, helping understand how proper diet and exercise can achieve positive long-term health outcomes. He worked for more than 20 years at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, continuing his work to understand and address heart disease risk factors. Dr. Harsha was one of 12 children. He was a beloved husband to Gayle Baer, Ph.D., a father to Celeste Morvant, Seth Baer-Harsha, Aaron Baer-Harsha, and Dr. Sonya Lydick. He was uncompromising in his belief in justice, equality and the dignity of others, and imparted this onto his family, who were his greatest source of pride and devotion. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001 on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm till 2: 00 pm. Interment to follow at Gates of Prayer Cemetery on St. Joseph St. New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Dr. Harsha's memory to the ACLU or the American Heart Association.

Published by The Advocate from Nov. 12 to Nov. 13, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for David Harsha

Not sure what to say?





I remember David as a handsome warm person with a wonderful smile. He is missed.

Arlene Baer

Family

November 6, 2022

David, you were the first person I ever in my life heard speak the word "modem", what with your dial-up access to and through LSU/the Heart Study. How well you wrote! I think I still have a copy of that Psychology Today article you co-authored all those years ago. And as if that weren't memorable enough, you were also conversant in lower-tech pop culture--rock music, especially--and just the man we all went to whenever we needed to know anything about anybody in its pantheon. --Oh, and your unforgettable rescue cats, among them the obsessive Rowl bent on sniffing guests' shoes! Such good company you provided, good times, high spirits, goofy laughter. What a warm, kind, and utterly brilliant person you were, immense fun to meet up with at Jazz Fest, so witty and quick with dry one-liners, a boon companion and loyal friend always. Thanks for being who you were and for getting born in the first place. I hadn't known you'd left us until just a few days ago. Idiot me, I took for granted that you'd always be there like the sky or the Mississippi River and let myself lose touch. What a grief to find you gone. I guess you'll forever be waving an offhand goodbye now in all our memories and lightheartedly pedaling away on your battered bike into an Uptown sunset without a look back. Shine on. My condolences to your family.

Annette Harper

Friend

December 18, 2020

I met David during graduate school at Tulane and we became close friends. He was an inspiration to me in all things anthropological, rock and roll, gonzo literature, and WWII. Exploring David's encyclopedic knowledge of everything in the galaxy was one of my greatest delights. I regret that I have not kept up with the Baer-Harshas since I moved from New Orleans, but I am sure that the three beautiful little ones I met only once have grown into happy, curious, and wise adults. Gayle, I am so very sorry to learn just now of David's death. Peace to all of you.
.

Marcia Jordan Hartwig

Friend

December 14, 2020

Hard to believe it's been a year. Didn't have much chance to see David but on the occasions that I did, I always remember him being such a sweet person and oh so good looking. I know the family must miss him a great deal. May his memory be a blessing.

Arlene Baer

Family

November 7, 2020

Gayle I can’t believe that it’s been a year since David passed! It been so many years since we’ve seen each other. But I remember how nice David was! So very sorry! Take care of yourself and be safe!

Marilyn Zellner

Family

November 6, 2020

I am so sorry for your families loss!

Barb Wente-Linke

Classmate

January 26, 2020

I just heard of the passing of my dear old friend of many years, David. We were classmates and graduated in 1967 from Lawrence (KS) High School. He was so kind and intelligent. We used to correspond, but had not in several years. May the Lord Jesus comfort all his loved ones. David was truly a gem and I will miss him dearly.

Helen "Hendle" Pendleton Rumbaut

January 26, 2020

For Gayle and your family, We are so sorry about the passing of David. Sending our love to you and your family!❤ Arlene and Jennifer

Arlene Baer

November 17, 2019

For Gayle and family. I'm so very sorry to hear about David's passing. Sending my love to you and your family! Marilyn

Marilyn Zellner

November 17, 2019

So sorry to hear about David, we wish we could be there....praying for you all.Kevin and Kristi Harsha

Kevin and Kristi Harsha

November 13, 2019

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

American Heart Association

November 13, 2019

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

November 12, 2019

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in David Harsha's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for David Harsha

Nov

13

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001

Nov

13

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001

Funeral services provided by:

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001

How to support David's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Harsha's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more