Joe Hardy, the legendary businessman who grew 84 Lumber into a billion-dollar home improvement empire, passed away Saturday at the age of 100. Hardy’s family said he died on his birthday. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph A. Hardy, III. The Hardy family lost their patriarch and all-around great man,” his family said in a statement Saturday. “Joe proved that nothing is impossible by willing himself to his 100th birthday. His family is beyond proud of him for making this final accomplishment.” He began construction on the first 84 Lumber facility in North Strabane in 1957. Hardy also developed Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa in 1987.