Harold “Hal” Halvorsen, who died at 89 on June 29, 2020, was many things to many people.
First and foremost, he was a devoted husband to Norita, his wife of 56 years; a loving father to Erik, Kirsten (Vogeley), and Karina (Wright); a supportive father-in-law to Julie, John, and Doug; and an exceedingly proud grandfather of seven (Haley, Jane, William, Abigail, Caroline, Aidan, and Anna).
Hal was a first-generation Norwegian-American; a Marine (once a Marine, always a Marine); a Pratt Institute alumnus (Mechanical Engineering, 1958); an aerospace professional (retired from Grumman Corp in 1995); a self-taught artist (painter of seascapes, landscapes, and abandoned farmhouses); a quick wit; a car connoisseur; a driving instructor (to his wife and kids); a storyteller; a cancer survivor; a loyal friend; a mentor; a traveler; a worry wart slayer, and the list goes on.
Born December 10, 1930, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Hal was the only child of Olaf and Dagny Halvorsen. The family returned to Norway when the Great Depression wiped out their construction business. Hal grew up in and around Farsund in southern Norway, including during the German occupation of the country during WWII. He returned to Bay Ridge in 1949 with seven dollars in his pocket.
Hal worked in the engine room of several ships and towing vessels in NY while taking correspondence courses. He was later drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and served in Marine Intelligence from 1951 to 1959. He was discharged as a corporal.
A Brooklyn police officer gestured toward Clinton Hill, the Pratt Institute campus, when Hal asked him where he could study science and math, with the help of the GI Bill. Post-graduation, Hal worked at Fairchild Engine Division and Dayton T. Brown as a test engineer. He later joined Grumman Aerospace Corp in Bethpage, Long Island, where he enjoyed a rewarding 34-year career. He created and served as section head of specifications and retired as a systems engineering manager.
On a rainy night in 1963, Hal went to a dance at the Garden City Hotel. He spotted Norita across the room and asked her to dance. She’d recently studied public health at the University of Oslo and noted Hal’s accent. She asked if he was from Norway. It was like pulling teeth, Norita said, but it came out that a town she remembered well–Flekkefjord–was where Hal’s father had built all the soccer fields. They were married on June 6,1964.
Hal and Norita, a former professor of nursing, raised their family in Huntington, NY, and lived there for more than 50 years. In retirement, Hal painted (thanks to Norita’s encouragement), had several solo art shows, enjoyed countless meals and cups of coffee with friends, and traveled far and wide with Norita, often visiting their children and grandchildren in Maryland, Virginia, and California. In 2016, he and Norita moved to Greenspring Village in Springfield, Va., to be near family.
Hal died peacefully in his sleep.
The last lyrics of The Marines’ Hymn are fitting:
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
Semper Fi, Hal, Dad, Bestefar. You’ll be missed by many.
The family will hold a memorial for Hal in the spring of 2021 (details to be determined). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, Capital Caring Health (Hospice), or the Rockport Art Association, Rockport, Mass.
Harold was my godfather. I only met him once.
So sorry to hear of Harold’s death. We remember you all with great affection. The visits to the Randazzo home before we were all married, the fun times we had visiting each other in Long Island, Brooklyn, New Jersey. those memories will never fade. We are currently living in Odenton, Maryland close to our 4 sons and their families. Love and condolences to you all.
Our most sincere and profound sympathies go out to Norita and family. Harold and Norira were our former neighbors in Huntington, NY for 11 years. He was a pretty good artist and she had a great career as a nurse and nursing teacher. May he rest in peace.
I met the Halvorsens one day in the summer of 1976 when my dad pulled our 1968 Pontiac Bonneville up to their house. My parents were considering moving to Huntington, so my dad decided to ask a potential neighbor about the town and the school system; randomly, he chose to pull up to 102 Vineyard Road. That day, not only did we decide to buy a new home, but we also met some of the best friends we would ever know—most especially that I would ever know. Erik and I were quick friends and even Kirsten and Karina were willing to put up with me.
Mr.& Mrs. H are among the most inspirational adults in my life. Generous and kind, they always made me feel like a part of their family, and I have many incredible memories of growing up with them. For example, I will never forget the summer they took me with them to the Huntington Yacht Club where I learned to swim (it was either that or drown as Erik and I acted out our favorite WWE take downs). One thing that stands out within all of these memories, is that no matter what crazy or reckless things we had done, Mr. H never lost his cool—even once when Erik and I had a shaving cream war while we were supposedly babysitting his sisters! Though we had a lot of cleaning up to do, we couldn’t understand why we never got rehired. In truth, Mr. Halvorsen’s expectations were high, but his faith in us to succeed was unwavering. Today, as a father myself, I aspire to be as calm and patient with my children as Mr. Halvorsen had been with us. I must admit, there are some days when I truly do not understand how he did it!
Mr. H, thank you for all that you have shared with me. I will carry you with me always. May your memory be eternal.
Dear Tante Norita, Karina, Kirsten, and Erik, and families,
Uncle Harold was a great man and godfather. His blessing (written by R. L. Stevenson) at our wedding a decade ago seems fitting again here:
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth.
Amen
We are indeed assembled together here, in his memory.
He will be missed greatly, but ultimately, he remains with us all, for all the morrows, wherever we are.
Much love from Kenji, Kelly, Natalie, and Emily
Dear Tante Norita, Karina, Kirsten, Erik, spouses and grandchildren,
This news has sure hit the Larsens hard as many of our families’ best memories are intertwined. Thank goodness our dads met all those years ago at the Sons of Norway!
They clicked immediately and Uncle Harold became very much like a brother to my dad over the years. Their friendship is one for the ages and through it our families would always be connected.
We miss Uncle Harold so much already, but we see glimpses of him in all of you. He and Tante Norita raised some amazing people who are raising more amazing people. The Larsens and Oros are wishing all the Halvorsens strength and comfort in countless loving memories.
Much love to all of you but an especially big hug to Tante Norita! Rest In Peace, Uncle Harold.
From,
Mariko, Joe, Lukas, and Markus Oro
Harold will be missed. He was a unique treasure. He and Norita made a great team. Remember all the good times.
Love and Hugs, Maureen Howard
The Halvorsen family has my deepest sympathies for loss of a wonderful, talented and intelligent man. All who had the privilege of knowing Harold will miss him dearly.
I had the privilege and sweet joy of becoming close friends with Hal and Norita more than 25 years ago. It’s rare in this life to be blessed with neighbors who become a real part of your life. That is what happened with Hal, Norita, my husband Bob and myself. Throughout the years we shared so much and made so many wonderful memories.
Hal’s passing has dimmed a bright light in this world. I’ll never forget his talent, his kindness, his sense of humor, his dignity, his generosity, and his love.
Hal was a true gentleman and a prince among men. I’ll love and miss him forever.
My love and deep sympathy to my friend Norita and to their beautiful children and grandchildren.
Much Love,
Sharon
Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. I was so sad to hear about the passing of “Uncle” Harold. I have so many fond memories of your dad and spending time with your family, as it was a big part of my growing up years. Holidays were a especially fun, but I honestly I can’t think of a time that I didn’t have fun while at your house with your loving family. The stories your dad would tell and your moms laugh will be something I will always treasure. The trip down to Maryland in the station wagon was the best! I think there was 9 of us in that car! Harold’s Harem❤️ He will missed- thoughts and prayers from our family to yours at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to your family. Hal had the biggest heart that was open to everyone a great friend and mentor. I will miss your laugh and being the boss. Your very much missed.
Dear Norita, Erik, Kirsten, and Karina, I remember the sweet times we had together during holidays and vacations. Your parents were always so gracious and fun to be with. I was blessed reading the tribute to Harold, what an amazing man!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb (Marcia’s daughter)
A very special man who was blessed to have such a wonderful family. Thinking of you all at this time. Prayers and hugs to you all!
Dear Norita, Erik, Kirsten and Karina, I think so fondly of your dear Harold and Dad as I recall our many Thanksgivings, and other holidays shared by your family and mine! He and I had many spirited discussions about politics and life in general. And, although we saw things differently, we enjoyed the dialogue . They were such special times for me and my family. I will never forget “Harold’s Harem”. Driving down to Washington with all our kids in tow. That was a very memorable trip. The car loaded with your Mom all of you, and me and my three girls. So many fond memories! Your Dad will be missed and thought of with much Love..
Sympathy note
Our deepest sympathies about losing Mr. Halvorsen. What a special man and wonderful life story. We’re so grateful that he created Karina, among his many contributions to the world. We’re keeping Norita and the entire Halvorsen family in our thoughts. -Kay Campbell and Mark Sabath
A great man has passed out of time. Back we sit with an incredible amount of good memories.
Rest in peace Harald
Our sincere sympathy to all the family on the loss of one of our oldest friend. He will always be a part of our memories
An amazing life force who
truly cared about his family.
A wonderful friend and such
a gracious host to any visitor.
Hal made life better for anyone who met him. He and Norita were the best class parents any teacher ever had
My love and deepest sympathy.
Dear Erik, Julie, Haley, and Jane,
What a lovely tribute to Hal. I wish I had known him. But you always spoke highly of him, Julie, and I saw the pictures of him with his beloved grandchildren. Obviously, his artistic talent lives on in Haley. So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and holding you close in heart. May happy memories comfort you.
Much love,
Mary Ellen
Sending all my love to Reet, Erik, Kirsten & my BFF Karina on this very sad news. Harold will always be in my heart for mowing the lawn in his heaviest wool sweater.
Xox- JST
I too will miss his quick wit and cups of coffee together. What a great tribute to a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.