Harry Jacobs

Harry Jacobs, 97, of Glen Ridge died Oct. 20, 2018. He was born in Paterson.

Mr. Jacobs worked for Rayco, an auto maintenance and repair service, where he met John “Red” Smith, his business partner. In 1973 they founded Montclair Auto Top and Seat Cover Co. Servicing classic car owners, the cars they restored won prizes at all the major car shows, including Pebble Beach. The business was also profiled on the cable TV show, “Chasing Classic Cars,” on the Velocity Channel, and he continued to work there before his death.

He graduated from Paterson’s East Side High School.

He enlisted in the Army to fight the Nazis and was sent to the Pacific. Stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, he became a photographer, conducting aerial surveillance. He was discharged in 1945.

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He often told stories about life in Paterson and World War II.

He is survived by his long-time partner, Elaine Golt Gongora.

Services were held Oct. 24 with arrangements by J.L. Apter Memorial Chapels of Cedar Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Bnai Keshet, Montclair.