Allyn E. Harth

Allyn Eugene Harth, founder of Harth Builders and a United States Marine Corps veteran, passed away September 20, 2025 at the age of 95. Born in rural North Dakota, he grew up on a farm during the Depression, where he learned the discipline and work ethic that shaped the rest of his life. One of his first achievements was earning the Eagle Scout Award at age 16. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and later returned to the Corps as a Reserve Officer, retiring after 23 years in-service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5.

After leaving active-duty service, Allyn built a long career in the home building and remodeling field. In 1996, at age 65, he started Harth Builders from the upstairs bedroom of his home in Spring House, Pennsylvania. From those modest beginnings, he, along with his son, Greg, grew the company into a nationally recognized design-build firm with more than 80 employees and $30 million in annual revenue. Under his guidance, Harth Builders earned more than 150 design and service awards, including national recognition from Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Allyn’s professional life spanned many roles; house framing crew, licensed engineer, housing developer, instructor of in-panel and modular building systems, certified remodeler, and author. He valued both innovation and practical skills, and he often shared his knowledge through teaching and mentorship. He had wide interests, from serving as a hypnosis instructor and performer at community events to publishing stories later in life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Burdette Harth, whose love and support anchored his life and career. Together, they built a family and created a foundation of values that continue through their children and grandchildren.

Allyn is survived by his children: Jeffrey Harth, Gregory Harth and his wife Misty, and Amy Vakil and her husband Jeffrey. He was a proud grandfather to Kira Vakil, Lily Vakil, Maya Harth, Chloe Harth, and Constantin Araujo-Harth.

Allyn is also survived by a daughter, Janell Callihan, and her children: Cory Zirbel and his wife Jakki, Cody Zirbel, Caitlin Callihan, Braeden Callihan, and Brendan Callihan as well as her grandchildren, Maeve Zirbel, Remi Zirbel, Hadley Zirbel, and Zoey Zirbel.

His family was his greatest treasure, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride, and his influence will live on in the lives they lead.

Visitation and viewing are scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 3:30pm to 5pm at the John F. Murray Funeral Home, 1220 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA, as well as Monday, September 29, 2025 from 2:00 to 3:30pm at the Heritage Chapel at George Washington Memorial Park, 80 Stenton Avenue, Plymouth Meeting, PA. Funeral service will begin at 3:30pm. Interment to follow at the George Washington Memorial Park, with military honors. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Scouting America, Cradle of Liberty Council (scoutingphilly.org), or to The Tun Foundation (thetun.org), who is rebuilding Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, birthplace of the United States Marine Corps.