HARRY J. SARNO
CLASS OF 1937
INDUCTED 1999
POLITICS/VOLUNTEERISM
Harry Sarno was born in Covert Township to immigrants parents. He was raised on the family fruit farm and has been a life long resident of the township.
Harry served in the European Theater of Operations in the U.S. Air Force in World War II. He served forty-four months with ground crews and support personnel of the 405 Fighter Squadron, 371 Fighter Group. Harry was a rural mail carrier for 25 years for the U.S. Postal Service. Following retirement, he established his own business, Sarno Real Estate. At the county government level, Harry was elected Van Buren County Commissioner for 8 years and served as chairman for 1 year. He served as a County Road Commissioner for 14 years, 4 years as Chairmen. Harry was a member of the 911 Committee, Chairman of the Local Elected Officials Board for the Tri-County area, and served 15 years on the South Haven Community Hospital Board.
In his home community, Harry served as a volunteer member of the Covert Fire and Ambulance Service for 45 years, and was appointed interim acting Chief three times. Harry served on the Covert School Board 14 years, ten of those as chairman, 12 years he served as chairman of the Covert Public Housing Commission, overseeing the operation of forty units for senior, and low income families. He has been active in Covert's Men's Club, Boy Scout Council, a member of the Covert Park Board, Covert Historical Society, and the Covert Township Lions Club serving as President in 1988.
Harry is married to Lois Blaney-Sarno (class of 1943), they have three children. Harry has always been dedicated to serving his community.