Shrewsbury – Harold P. Hally Jr., 84, formerly of Auburn, died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 in Overlook Masonic Healthcare Center in Charlton.
Born Aug. 8, 1927 in Worcester and raised in the Grafton Hill neighborhood, he graduated from the former Commerce High School and then entered the United States Coast Guard near the end of World War II. He was honorably discharged in June 1946. He returned to his native Worcester and graduated from Becker Junior College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University. On April 23, 1955, in Saint Stephen's Church, he married Betty Jane Maylott. They lived in Auburn since 1963 before moving to Shrewsbury in 1999.
Mr. Hally's professional career began as office manager at Washington Mills Co. in Grafton. He then took a position as vice president with Abrasives & Tools Industrial Supply Co. in Auburn, where he worked for over 25 years. In 1980, he founded Technicraft Tool Corporation and served as its president until 1998. He always had a determined and solid work ethic and did his best to instill this in his co-workers, employees and family.
While an Auburn resident, he was an active member and past-president of the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce and Saint Joseph's Parish. He was also a member of the National Tool Engineers Association and Saint Mary's Parish in Shrewsbury.
He and his wife loved to travel. He especially loved trips that would be taken by train. Other interests included woodworking, fishing and long walks. But, at the end of each day, what mattered most was his family.
He leaves his wife of 56 years, Betty Jane Hally; his children, Kathleen E. Sullivan and her husband Thomas J. of Franklin, John P. “Jack” Hally and his wife Kimberly A. of Shrewsbury, and Michael T. Hally and his wife Leah of Westborough; his grandchildren, Leslie E. and Terrance M. Sullivan, John P. Hally Jr., Bridget I., Timothy F., Matthew S. and Kathryn M. Hally and the late Lauren E. Hally; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Mr. Hally's life by gathering for calling hours Sunday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14 before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in Saint John's Cemetery.
In appreciation for the wonderful and exceptional care given to Mr. Hally and his family, those who wish to may honor his memory with a contribution to Overlook VNA & Hospice, 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, 01507.
