Joe Hardy, 84 Lumber, Nemacolin founder, dies at age 100

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84 Lumber and Nemacolin resort founder Joseph A. Hardy III has died Saturday on his 100th birthday, the vice-president of marketing and public relations for 84 Lumber confirms to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. Hardy was born in 1923 in Upper St. Clair. After serving as a lieutenant and Air Forces radioman during World War II, he earned an engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh and joined the family’s jewelry company, according to the 84 Lumber website and a Nemacolin news release. He opened Green Hills Lumber in Bridgeville at age 31 before joining his two younger brothers to open a cash-and-carry lumberyard in the rural town of Eighty Four in 1956. The new 84 Lumberyard served professional homebuilders centered on the region covering Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The billionaire grew 84 Lumber into one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States. Hardy also founded Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a 2,000-acre site located in Farmington. The resort boasts a hotel, art collection, and spa as well as fly-fishing and golf opportunities. Video above: Joe Hardy’s 84 Lumber, Nemacolin donate to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.Hardy handed over leadership of both 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort to his daughter Maggie Hardy in 1992.Hardy also served as vice chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Fayette County from 2004 to 2007.A 100th birthday party had been planned for Saturday at Nemacolin.

84 Lumber and Nemacolin resort founder Joseph A. Hardy III has died Saturday on his 100th birthday, the vice-president of marketing and public relations for 84 Lumber confirms to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.

Hardy was born in 1923 in Upper St. Clair. After serving as a lieutenant and Air Forces radioman during World War II, he earned an engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh and joined the family’s jewelry company, according to the 84 Lumber website and a Nemacolin news release.

He opened Green Hills Lumber in Bridgeville at age 31 before joining his two younger brothers to open a cash-and-carry lumberyard in the rural town of Eighty Four in 1956. The new 84 Lumberyard served professional homebuilders centered on the region covering Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The billionaire grew 84 Lumber into one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States.

Hardy also founded Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a 2,000-acre site located in Farmington. The resort boasts a hotel, art collection, and spa as well as fly-fishing and golf opportunities.

Video above: Joe Hardy’s 84 Lumber, Nemacolin donate to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Hardy handed over leadership of both 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort to his daughter Maggie Hardy in 1992.

Hardy also served as vice chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Fayette County from 2004 to 2007.

A 100th birthday party had been planned for Saturday at Nemacolin.

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