Published in the July 22, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Harold F. Packard Sr., 84, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 15, in Peabody.
Harold was born in West Garland, Maine on June 5, 1932, one of three children of the late Harold Packard and Eva (Grinnell) Packard. He was raised in Dexter, Maine and graduated from Corinna High School where he met his true love Geraldine Cook. They were marred and settled in Melrose to raise a family.
Harold served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as an Airman, First Class. He was honorably discharged, and under the G.I Bill was trained as a mechanic before joining the Fire Department of the City of Melrose in January of 1964. Mr. Packard was on Engine 3 for most of his 30 year career, retiring in 1994.
In his free time, Harold loved the ocean and especially enjoyed fishing from his 16 foot boat off the coast of Rockport with his friends and family. He made many memorable trips out on the North Shore coast with his buddy Harold “Chet” Chetwynd where they could relax, fish or get lost in the fog. Mr. Packard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who cherished visiting his family in Texas and North Carolina. He will be missed.
Harold was the beloved husband of the late Geraldine (Cook) “Gerry” Packard with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Nina M. Hannah and her husband Jeff of Spencer, N.C., Christian J. “Chris” Packard and his fiancé Kim of Spencer, N.C., and the late Harold F. Packard Jr. He was the dear brother of June Warren of Framingham and the late Bessie Flagg and Albert Packard. He was the cherished grandfather of Robert, Justin, William, Phillip, Matthew and Kaitlin Hannah, and Cally and Kendra Packard. Loving great-grandfather of Zedia, Wyatt, Justice, Jasper, Lyla and Leon. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Harold’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, July 19, from 4 to 8 p.m., and again for his funeral service on Wednesday at 9 a.m. For more info RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
