It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Joseph A. Hardy, who passed on Saturday, Jan. 7, his 100th birthday. He is known for founding both Nemacolin Resort and 84 Lumber, a company that generates billions of dollars annually and, according to Forbes, is one of the top 75 biggest private companies in the US.
He died in "true Hardy fashion," the company wrote in its official statement. "Joe passed away with his cigar in his hand, surrounded by his loving family singing Broadway show tunes to comfort him at his home in Farmington, Pa."
While Hardy accomplished much in his life—he was a husband, father, grandfather (and great grandfather), veteran, pilot, gemologist, philanthropist, and much more—he made his biggest mark on the residential construction industry through his company 84 Lumber, which he began as Green Hills Lumber in a vacant basement in 1956 with his childhood friend Ed Ryan and brothers Norman and Bob.
"Under Hardy’s leadership and tireless work ethic, 84 Lumber expanded and became the largest privately owned building materials supplier in the world, with stores in 30 states and currently employing more than 6,000 associates," wrote the company in its official statement.
Today, 84 Lumber is a vertically integrated materials supplier, component manufacturer, and an installed sales and service provider for the construction of single- and multi-family homes and commercial buildings, with 250 locations and $7.5 billion in 2021 sales.
Hardy is survived by his wife, eight children, three stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.