Harald “Harry” Stephan Juenger

Published 10:26 am Monday, January 29, 2018

Harald “Harry” Stephan Juenger passed away January 23, 2018. Born November 5, 1947 in Austria to Herta and Matthias Juenger, he is predeceased by Herta Juenger and Charles Spina. He is survived by Matthias (Pat) Juenger, his son Jesse (Dulcie) Juenger and Josephine Spina.

Harry’s father fled Yugoslavia to Austria in 1944 to gain freedom during the revolutionary and political leadership of Josip Broz Tito. Thousands of Yugoslavians followed the same escape route by swimming across the swift waters of the Danube River. Sadly, very few others who attempted to swim for freedom survived.

After immigrating to the United States, Harry’s father went on to become a standout as a professional soccer player, often sharing the field with the likes of Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé). Young Harry followed the same path.

At 17 years old, Harry joined the U.S. Junior National Soccer Team. The very next year Harry played alongside his father for the German- Hungarian Soccer Club and continued to do so for many years to follow. Harry’s impressive skill with the ball and noteworthy athleticism on the field brought him many accolades by fellow teammates, coaches and recruiting scouts.

During his soccer career, Harry forged life-long friendships with notables like Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinalia. He often spoke of his deep admiration and friendship with retired American professional soccer defender, Werner Roth.

When Harry wasn’t on the soccer field or golf course you could find him at Port Chester Beer Distributors, his family’s business in Port Chester, N.Y.

Harry was highly competitive and had a passion for most any sport that included a ball, including, golf, tennis, pool and ping-pong. Harry had an impressive knowledge-base containing the many rules of the game. He also had a knack for recalling his own and everyone else’s moves during the game.

Harry privately played the harmonica and sang while embracing a deep appreciation for music. He considered himself a devout Bob Dylan fan and praised many other folk singers of the 60’s. Harry also maintained a handwritten list of concerts that he attended in earlier days with friends and his then wife Lydia Juenger.

Harry had a deep respect for military veterans after serving in the Vietnam War with the 1^st and 9^th Infantry Division (“Old Reliables”). Harry served during the Tet Offensive and received two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart after being severely injured by a landmine. While harboring many war memories which covered the gamut from wonderful to terrible, he shared very few with only a few of his close friends and family members.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations in his honor may be made to: Smith Phayer Hospice House, Landrum, S.C. or The Summer Tracks Concert Series payable to The Town of Tryon, 301 North Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Tryon, N.C.