Last updated on: January 31, 2025
Harry Joseph Letterman was the father of David Letterman, that famous TV show host who for years hosted such late-night programs. Harry never gained the kind of fame that his son was to achieve; however, his life played an important role in David’s. Harry was an amiable quiet man, and his life was a great asset to his family. Let us learn more about him.
Quick Facts About Harry Joseph Letterman
| Full Name | Harry Joseph Letterman |
| Date of Birth | November 3, 1921 |
| Occupation | Florist |
| Husband/Wife | Dorothy Marie Letterman (née Hofert) |
| Died | 13 February 1973 |
| Age at Time of Death | 51 years |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Siblings | Not Known |
| Children | David Letterman (son), Janice (daughter), Gretchen (daughter) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
| Grandchildren | Harry Joseph Letterman II (grandson) |
| Personality | Quiet, humble, and steady |
| Cause of Death | Heart complications |
Early Life and Career
Harry Joseph Letterman was born on November 3, 1921, in North Salem, New York. Harry grew up in a small town and spent most of his life there. Harry worked as a florist; that kept him busy and quite popular in the community. His son may have not been on center stage like his father was, but Harry certainly made his presence felt.
Family Life
Harry was married to Dorothy Marie Letterman, and she was the mother of David. Dorothy is a church secretary at the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. There are three children in the Harry-David’s family. His second child David was born on April 12, 1947. Family life of Harry was private as well as not exposed to any public media as he was also not in public media. David was very clearly influenced by him.
David often spoke about his father with love and respect. Harry was known for being calm and quiet, which was different from David’s energetic and funny personality. David said that his father’s quiet nature helped him appreciate the value of family and hard work. Harry passed away in 1973 at the age of 51, from heart complications. His death was a great loss to David and his family, but his memory lives in their hearts.
David Letterman Early Life
David’s early life with Harry was full of lessons. Even though Harry was not the noisiest person at any time, he taught David so many valuable lessons about life. Harry’s steady, hardworking nature taught David how important being true to oneself could be.
David was close to his father when growing up. He enjoyed much time with Harry and learned from him. David has told people stories about his father during his late-night shows, often cracking jokes to celebrate Harry’s memory. David added that his father never cared much about fame. His down-to-earth attitude had a big influence on David as he built his career in the show business world.
Harry’s Legacy
Though Harry Joseph Letterman was not a public figure, his legacy lives on through his son. David often remembers his father and speaks highly of the lessons he learned from him. Harry’s calm and humble personality stood in contrast to the wild and funny energy David became known for, but it made David appreciate family values even more.
David is not the only child Harry has had an influence on. He has two daughters, Janice and Gretchen Letterman. Gretchen, David’s younger sister, was a journalist for over 30 years at the Tampa Bay Times. She is sharp-witted and dedicated to social issues. Like her brother, Gretchen has made a name for herself in her own way.
READ ALSO: David Letterman Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
David’s Son, Harry Joseph Letterman II
David named his son after his father, Harry Joseph Letterman II. Harry Joseph Letterman II was born on November 3, 2003. Harry Joseph Letterman II was kept out of the limelight by his father, David Letterman, and his wife, Regina Lasko. They did not want his childhood to be affected by the media attention surrounding his father, David Letterman.
Harry Joseph II attended local schools and then Brown University. He is often said to be someone who wants to live independently of his father’s fame. David has said that Harry is more concerned with building his own life and creating his own identity.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com
