Harold Avrick

Harold Avrick was born on July 14, 1917, in NY and grew up on Long Island with his twin sister, Frances. After graduating from high school in 1935, he took classes at New York University. Moving to the Washington, DC, area, he started a job as a draftsman at the Naval Gun Factory in Washington, DC, which later became the Naval Ordinance Laboratory in White Oak, MD. After living in the DC area for several years, a friend set up a blind date between Hal and Suzanne Shackelford and they soon fell in love. After getting married on July 21. 1943, the couple made their first home in Southeast, DC. In 1944, Mary Ellen was born and five years later, Michael Stephen came along to finish out the family. Eventually the family made their home in Silver Spring, MD. Hal worked at NOL for 39 years before retiring. He was known as a dedicated and conscientious employee. Starting his career as junior Draftsman in 1941, he eventually worked his way up to Chief of the Special Ordnance Section, supervising 39 designers and draftsmen. His last position was that of Team Leader of the General Design Team. While at NOL, Hal received several awards, including the Superior Accomplishment Award (1959 and 1974) and the Meritorious Civilian Award (1965 and 1969). In 1970, Hal and Suzanne moved to the Waldorf area. It was around this time that he and Susie began attending a Bible Study started by Grace Brethren Church. Shortly afterward, each of them gave their hearts to Christ. In May 1982, after a long illness, Suzanne went home to be with the Lord. In January of the next year, Harold found a new life-companion. Carol Clark had been a family friend for a long time and was close to both he and Susie. He and Carol were married on January 1, 1983, and Carol has stood at his side these last 25 years. Carol brought three adult children of her own into the Avrick family, and Harold came to care for them very much. After retiring from NOL, Hal started a second career working at Beretta USA in Accokeek, MD, where he worked for 18 years on a part time basis as a draftsman. After leaving Beretta, he helped his son, Michael, at his printing business, Allentown Press. It was not until close to his 91st birthday that he finally retired for good. Hal is survived by his second wife, Carol; his two children, Mary Ellen Crothers of Hughesville, MD, and Michael Stephen Avrick of Waldorf, MD; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. The viewing will be held at Grace Brethren Church Waldorf, MD, on Saturday, September 27 at 10AM followed by the Funeral Service at 11AM with the Interment immediately following at Trinity Memorial Gardens. The Service will be officiated by Pastor Jeff Thornley and Retired Pastor Gerald Small. Pallbearers will be Richard O’Reilly, Sean O’Reilly, Stephen Avrick, Joshua Avrick, Joseph Avrick and Issac Clark.

Harold Avrick

July 14, 1917 - September 23, 2008