Harold Townsend Velie Jr.

Harold Townsend Velie Jr., of New Castle, PA, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2022. The son of the late Townsend and Ruth Velie, he was born on July 24, 1927.

Harold grew up on Valley View Farm in Marlborough, New York where he helped on the family farm. As a young man he served in the Navy in WWII. He later dabbled in painting, acting and photography. After meeting his wife June, he settled into a career and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Alfred University. He married June Gildersleeve on September 3, 1955.

Soon after that his career direction shifted toward the emerging tech world. He worked during the early computer years and became a well-respected manager and data analyst. He loved his work but more importantly those he worked with. Norm Lapointe, Gil Anderson, and Chris Lesinski stand out as dear friends over the years. Harold also enjoyed editing and writing his department monthly newsletter, “News from the Hole”.  Many looked forward to it each month as it always included Harold’s unique sense of humor and wit.

Harold was a loving father, husband, and grandfather. He was kind, witty, fun loving and clever. He enjoyed puzzles, games and building things. His wife June never needed a handyman as Harold was a jack of all trades and master of most! He could design, repair, replace or restore just about anything.

Harold loved music and the arts, often attending plays and musicals with June and dear friends the Punts and McManns. The six of them shared a love of travel and globe trotted quite a bit in their golden years throughout Europe.

He is survived by his son Scott Townsend, daughter Kimberly Ann, grandsons Nicholas Scott, Tyler John, Michael Alexander (“Noodle”); brother-in-law Leo (June) Gildersleeve and nieces Debbie Phelps, Becky (Mike) Pearson, Ellen Velie and Holly (Jeff) Gildersleeve Eng and Nephews Sam Phelps III, Richard (Nancy) Phelps and Douglas (Paige) Velie and Stephen Velie.

A memorial visitation will be Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11-11:30am, at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, NY 12586. 

A service will follow at 11:30am at the funeral home. Burial will take place after the service at Walker Valley Cemetery, Walker Valley, NY

Memorial contributions can be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org.

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