Obituary: Harold J. Willis of Brewster

From the Beecher Funeral Home

Harold J. Willis of Brewster, NY passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Danbury Hospital
surrounded by his family. He was 89. He was also born in Danbury Hospital, Danbury, CT on
March 26, 1930 to Harold D and Lucy M Willis.

Harold went to primary school at St Peter’s, Danbury, CT. Then his family moved to Brewster,
NY. He attended and graduated from Brewster High School, Brewster, NY. He was on the
football team and was voted the “quietest.” At 16 years old he joined the Brewster Fire
Department which he was a lifetime member.

Harold was a Bricklayer Apprentice for O’Hara & Willis, Danbury, CT until he was drafted into the Army for the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 with Honorable Discharge. He attended Crandall Sec School in 1955 then attended Westchester Community College, White Plains, NY from 1958 to 1960 with a Business Major receiving an AAS degree.

Harold met the love of his life, Patricia A MacKay at a friend’s wedding. They were married on
July 28, 1963 in St Joseph’s, Croton Falls, NY. They had three daughters together.

Harold became an Insurance Broker for John Hancock for 33 years until retirement. He was well
liked by his clients.

Harold dedicated his life to God and Country. He was very involved with the American Legion
and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW). He held many positions in both over the many years
that he was involved with them, simultaneously. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Club
BPOE. He was an Usher at St Lawrence O’Toole for many years. He was a member of the Third
Order Franciscans.

He enjoyed playing pool and was on the Green Table League. He was an avid reader. He was
very handy and could fix almost anything.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lucy Willis, and his sisters, Lucille F
Barclay and Clara M St Jean. He is survived by his wife, Patricia A Willis of almost 56 years, his
daughters Victoria F Willis, JoAnne M Willis and Carol M Willis. His grandchildren Dana
McNamara, James T Finch IV, Rachel E Muller and also his great-grandson Joshua Joseph. As
well as his six beloved nieces, five nephews and one grand-niece, along with their spouses.

Harold was well liked, a true friend, a loving and devoted husband and father. He was a “quiet”
man his whole life and had a good sense of humor. He loved his entire family very much, he will
be missed.

A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at a Funeral Mass at St Lawrence O’Toole Church, 31
Prospect St, Brewster, NY on Saturday, July 27th at 10:00 am. He will be buried at Gerald B.H.
Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Harold’s name to Beecher Funeral
Home, Brewster, NY to defray funeral costs.