Harold Macking

Harold David Macking 12/12/1930-11/13/2012 was reunited with his wife Margaret Lawrenz Macking who pre-deceased him in 2009 after 56 years of marriage, daughter Robin Macking Bunch (June 2012), mother Blanche Michaels Macking, brothers Allan, Paul and many others. He is survived by his brother Dan Macking of Burnsville NC, and is survived by 6 of his children; Kathy Macking Schenato & John Schenato, Eric Macking, Patti Macking Stewart & Dale Stewart, Paula Macking Ayers, Timothy & Erin Macking, and Debra Macking. Harold is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Jamie Montgomery, David, Sophia, Samuel, Marlayna, Mary Grace Macking, Kristin and Karin Bunch, HeatherAyers Lawton, Jeremiah Ayers, and Angela Ayers Markland, Marenda, Brendan and Noah Macking, as well as 5 great grand children Aiden Macking, Jasmine Gilford, Everett, Griffin Ayers, and Kaylee Markland and many neices and nephews.

Harold was born in White Plains NY, he attended Bell School, later graduating from Dover Plains High School in 1948. Harold took courses at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk NC and also taught at Mayland Technical College in Spruce Pine NC from 1984-1989. 

In 1948 he joined the US Air Force as a mechanic and was stationed in Greenland during the Korean War. Upon his discharge, Harold joined and later became the commander of American Legion Post 454 in Dover Plains, NY. He became the adjutant and held other offices at the Legion in Wharton, NJ, Dover, NJ, and Mine Hill, NJ. Harold was instrumental in starting the Sons of the American Legion while in NJ as well as the Paper Puncher's Rifle Club and was inducted into the 40/8 in the late 1960’s. Later Harold became Secretary while a member of American Legion Posts 14 and 357 in St. Petersburg, FL and was a member of the Gulfport Post 125, along with Korean War Veterans Post 14.

In addition to his dedication to his country through various veteran’s organization he was also the Secretary of the Pinellas County Veterans Council for many years and sponsored a countywide essay contest for high school juniors and seniors throughout the late 1990’s – 2010. Harold was also a NRA certified instructor for Hunter Safety as a Deputy with the Morristown, NJ Sheriffs department in the late 1960’s. In addition Harold was a novice Motorcycle Racer and started the NY Conn Riders Motorcycle Club in 1957. Harold also became a private pilot in 1978 flying out of Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg.

During the 1970’s while in St. Petersburg he was active with his children’s scouting activities, including the Police Athletic League, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. Harold enjoyed the many fishing excursions with his friends, Mike Christian, Ernie Hubinger, Bill Lawson, and others. He continued to enjoy the outdoors in North Carolina. Throughout the 1980’s, Harold became a card carrying Brownie of the Pisgah, NC Girl Scout Council Troop 196 and served on the Board of Directors for the Pisgah, NC Girl Scout Council. In 1986 when the Girl Scouts of America celebrated their 75th birthday, Harold created a post card for its commeration for the Banner Elk NC troop, he worked to make the scouts part of the ceremonies for the opening of the Linn Cove Viaduct and the birthday celebration of Mildred the Bear of Grandfather Mountain.

Harold was a freelance writer and professional photographer being published in the The Poughkeepsie New Yorker, Proud Hailer, Yancey-Mitchell-Avery Journals, Boone Democrat, Charlotte Observer, Northeast Neighborhood News (St. Petersburg FL) and Hemlocks and Balsams Volume 7. Harold was an auto mechanic by trade and had his first shop from 1953-1955 in Salisbury, CT. Later, from 1978-1980, he owned his own shop in St. Petersburg. Harold was also very active in his church, working bingo and helping with many fundraisers. Then being a part of both the Senior Club and Bible Class of St. Paul's Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. Harold was strong in faith throughout his entire life, wanting to be alert until the end. He knew his time was near, with his children all there, Harold slipped softly to heaven. The tears we shed commemorate the life our father had, and the life he gave us. You will be missed, dad, but our memories will keep us until we join you later.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1800 12th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 with Monsignor Gibbons officiating.  The family will recieve friends at the church from 10:30 AM until service time. Following the funeral mass, full military honors wil be provided by MacDill Air Force Base Honors Team.  Burial will be in New York.

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