YongSoo Ha

YongSoo Ha, of Dobbs Ferry, NY, died of heart failure on February 18, 2018 surrounded by his family and close friends. He was 64 years old. Mr. Ha will be forever remembered by his loving wife Kathleen (of Dobbs Ferry, NY), and daughters Alyssa (Luke) and Kathryn “KC”. He was in Cardio ICU at Weill Cornell Hospital for all but six weeks of the past year fighting with epic will to improve. Born on November 5, 1953, in Seoul, Korea, YongSoo came to Queens, New York at the age of 11 with his father to join his mother and older brother, who was attending Columbia University. Though he spoke no English, he adjusted quickly and made friends easily. His talent at baseball, and bravery standing up to the school bully who stole school lunch money from some of his peers, earned him quick popularity. He soon attended The Stony Brook School on Long Island where he excelled academically and athletically. He later graduated from Cornell University with a degree in electrical engineering. Through a friend in Ithaca, he met the love of his life and wife of 30 years, Kathleen (nee Bowen). They married in a country wedding ceremony near Ithaca with reception overlooking Cayuga Lake. YongSoo had two beautiful daughters, Alyssa and KC, whom he adored more than anything. After living in Manhattan and Riverdale, YongSoo and Kathleen planted roots in Dobbs Ferry where they have lived for over 25 years. YongSoo had recently retired from managing the IT department at The Brearley School in Manhattan, where he also helped coach the girls’ lower school basketball team. Prior to Brearley, he ran the IT department at the Queens College School of Law. For over twenty years YongSoo enjoyed a consulting relationship with the Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation. Other consulting clients included the Nathan Cummings Foundation. He also made a career out of being a proud swim team dad, rising at 4:00 AM to drive the girls to practice, and traveling throughout the northeast and to the midwest to root for Alyssa and KC at meets. He is predeceased by his parents Iksuh and Kuin Ha and older brother, the late Yonghi Ha. In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his loving niece Christina Ha-Solis (Marcus) of Dobbs Ferry and loving nephew Robert Ha (Karen) of Long Beach, CA. He also leaves niece, Mina Ha of Seoul, Korea. Very dear to him were his goddaughter Maya Solis of Dobbs Ferry, and great-nieces Ava Solis of Dobbs Ferry, and Rosalie and Qiqi Ha of Long Beach, CA. YongSoo will be lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law and dearly trusted friend, Joan Bowen (Alfred), and the entire Bowen family, especially Constance Bowen Borro. YongSoo loved spending time with family, eating Korean BBQ, watching sports, and seeing films with his wife. YongSoo was the biggest enthusiast of Saab automobiles and Apple computers. He was an avid sailor in his early years, and grew to love Montauk vacations in his later years. YongSoo will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, amazing father, and loyal friend. He had a rare ability to put all at ease with his jovial manner and easygoing attitude. His love for music was vast, including rock, reggae, and soul. Perhaps his finest delight aside from family was any hunt that involved finding the next, best place to sample the next, best food trend. YongSoo’s kindness was far spread as he loved to help others. —Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home