Former area teacher and band “mom” Harriet Ruth Luckenbill, known to many as “Nana,” passed away peacefully on Friday, March 19 at the Chelsea Assisted Living Home. She was 96.

“Harriet’s happiness came from helping others and she loved being involved with her family. She was a mother to her three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, along with thousands of band students from Red Bank Regional High School, Little Silver, Shrewsbury, and Red Bank elementary schools. 

“Harriet loved to bake, sew and knit, was the bingo champ at The Chelsea, and loved word searches and puzzles. Her favorite activity was attending band concerts at the Jersey shore boardwalks directed by her husband, John Luckenbill Sr., and son John Luckenbill Jr..  

“Harriet “Nana” will be remembered for her caring, positive, and cheerful disposition and as a shining light in all the lives she touched. Her love for family and music will never be forgotten.”

Loved ones of Harriet Ruth Luckenbill in her obituary

Harriet was born on July 3, 1924, in Farmingdale, New York to her parents, Mabel and Ernest Pinney and was the eldest of two children.

She was predeceased by: her husband, John; sister Mary; and granddaughter, Kristin.

She is survived by: her three children, John and wife Janice Luckenbill, Bob Luckenbill and his wife Josie Sutherland, and Nancy and her husband John Niro; five grandchildren, Jennifer Brush, John III and wife Lisa Luckenbill, Joseph Luckenbill, C.J. Brush and Michael Niro; and two great-grandchildren, William and Andrew Luckenbill.

After completing high school as salutatorian of her graduating class, Harriet obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Education from Barnard College at Columbia University (NYC). She taught kindergarten and third grade in Glen Cove, NY and Shrewsbury, NJ.

She was a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Little Silver.

The family will have a private family service at the Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank.

A celebratory memorial band concert will be held in the summer to honor her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Asbury Park Music Foundation to support live music at 375 Park Ave., Freehold, NJ 07728. 

— Edited obituary from loved ones provided to Thompson Memorial Home

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