Robert Harmon, 78, owned mower firm

Robert E. Harmon, 78, of Barrington, owner and operator of the Haddonfield Power Mower Co. in the 1970s and 1980s, died of complications from arthritis Saturday, Feb. 28, at home.

Mr. Harmon was a former member of the Tribal Council of the Rankokus Indian Reservation in Westampton, daughter Lesley said.

"We're Nanticoke," she said, descendants of the people who met with Capt. John Smith in Virginia in 1608.

In Westampton, his daughter said, Mr. Harmon "had financial responsibility in the tribal council," helping to approve expenditures.

Her family would attend annual powwows there, gatherings "with folks from other nations" of American Indians, she said. "We even attended powwows down in Delaware."

Mr. Harmon was so proud of his heritage, she said, that "he is being buried in a ribbon shirt," a ceremonial shirt "with ribbons across and down the sides."

He attended Haddonfield Memorial High School, was an Army truck driver, and worked as a vehicle mechanic before opening his own firm in the 1970s, where "he worked on small engines, mostly push mowers."

In the 1970s, he was also a member of the Lawnside Volunteer Fire Company.

Besides his daughter, Mr. Harmon is survived by his wife, Carole; son Robert E. Jr.; and a sister.

A viewing was set from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 6, at the Healey Funeral Home, 9 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, before a noon funeral service there, with interment in Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson.

Donations may be sent to Bayada Hospice, 603 N. Broad St., Suite 300, Woodbury, N.J. 08096.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.healeyfuneralhomes.com.