Paul H. Harry of East Hampton, a former manager at the Sperry Corporation, a developer of aviation instruments, died of complications from a broken leg on Dec. 9 at Quiogue’s Kanas Center for Hospice Care. He was 99.
A graduate of Curtiss-Wright Aeronautical University in Chicago, he began working at Sperry as a technician repairing aircraft instruments.
During World War II, he enlisted in the Navy, and was stationed in Norfolk, Va. He returned to Sperry three years later, and would go on to spend more than four decades at the company.
In 1941, he married the former Jean Woodruff David. The couple lived in Levittown and bought land on Three Mile Harbor. They spent their weekends building a summer cottage on the lot, and eventually lived there full time. His wife died before him.
He enjoyed running and motorcycles, and he was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton, the Maidstone Gun Club, the American Legion, the East Hampton Senior Citizens Center, and the Long Island Early Fliers Club, a group that promotes the region’s aviation heritage.
Mr. Harry was born on April 4, 1920, in Savanna, Ill., to Erwin Lucas Harry and the former Matilda Bertha Ruetlinger. He grew up there and attended Savanna Township High School.
He is survived by two daughters, Kitty Romano of East Quogue and Pamela Valente of Locust Valley, and two sons, Paul Harry Jr. of Newark, Del., and David Harry of East Hampton. Seven granddaughters and five great-grandchildren also survive.
Mr. Harry donated his body to science.
A memorial service will be held on Jan. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at Bostwick’s on the Harbor on Gann Road in East Hampton.
