Joe Hardy, the founder and CEO of 84 Lumber Company and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, died on his 100th birthday on Saturday, January 7, 2023. He was a successful businessman, a philanthropist, and a controversial figure in his personal life. His death has sparked curiosity and speculation about the cause and circumstances of his passing. Here is what we know so far.
A Billionaire with a Vision
Joe Hardy was born on January 7, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in industrial engineering. He started his career as a clerk at a hardware store and later became a manager. In 1956, he founded 84 Lumber Company, named after the rural town of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, where he opened his first store.
84 Lumber grew to become one of the largest building materials suppliers in the US, with over 250 stores in 30 states by the 1970s. Hardy expanded his business by adding professional sales force, credit options, and retail stores. He also diversified into other ventures, such as Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a luxury destination in Farmington, Pennsylvania, and Hardy World, a planned amusement park in Fayette County.
Hardy was known for his vision, innovation, and ambition. He was also generous with his wealth, donating to various causes and organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, The Pennsylvania Classic Foundation, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. According to Forbes, he had a net worth of $1.2 billion as of 2023.
A Man with Many Wives
Hardy’s personal life was less stable than his professional one. He married four times and divorced three times. His first wife was Dorothy Hardy, whom he married in 1948 and had five children with. They divorced in 1997 after 49 years of marriage.
His second wife was Debra Maley, whom he married in 1998 and had two children with. They divorced in 2007 after nine years of marriage.
His third wife was Kristin Georgi, whom he married in 2007 when he was 84 and she was 22. They divorced after four months of marriage.
His fourth wife was Rebecca Davis, whom he married in 2009 when he was 86 and she was 23. They remained married until his death.
Hardy’s marriages attracted media attention and criticism for the age gap between him and his wives. Some accused him of being a sugar daddy who exploited young women for his own pleasure. Others defended him as a romantic who followed his heart regardless of social norms.
A Mystery Surrounding His Death
Hardy died on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at his home in Farmington, Pennsylvania. He was surrounded by his family and friends. The news of his death was confirmed by Amy Smiley, the vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber.
The cause of his death has not been disclosed by his family or the company. Some speculate that he died of natural causes due to his old age. Others wonder if there was any foul play or hidden illness involved.
Hardy’s funeral was held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. He received full military honors for his service in the US Army during World War II. He was buried at Allegheny Cemetery.
Hardy’s legacy lives on through his businesses, his philanthropy, and his family. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Davis Hardy, his eight children Maggie Hardy Knox (the president of 84 Lumber), Joe Hardy Jr., Tim Hardy, Ann Hardy Asti (the president of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort), Patrick Hardy (the president of Hardy World), Taylor Hardy (a singer-songwriter), Paige Hardy (a model), and Dylan Hardy (a student), and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
