Harold Paul Firestone

Harold Paul Firestone, loving father, beloved uncle, and loyal friend, passed on to his eternal reward on April 29, 2016. His passing was unexpected but gentle, one last tender mercy from his Heavenly Father for both Harold and his loving daughter, Lynn.

Harold was born on July 31, 1926 in West Bridgewater, Pennsylvania to John Raymond Firestone and Emma Hannah (Weyand) Firestone. He was born a twin but his twin brother, Gerald died in infancy. Harold’s thoughts had turned to Gerald a lot in the last few years of his life. He liked to say that Gerald took up all of the space before they were born and that was why Harold had such a lightweight body that earned him the nickname of “Feathers” on his high school football team.

Harold graduated from Beaver High School. He graduated early so that he could enlist in the Army Air Corps and served during WWII. After returning to Pennsylvania he attended a few years of Business College and then was employed at Valvoline Oil until he retired in 1986. In 1951 he married Joan Arlene Zilk and they had two children. They were later divorced but have remained friends over the years and have enjoyed visiting with each other at their daughter’s home several times.

After retirement, and while his health was still good, Harold spent a lot of time writing poetry. Anyone who knew him in those post-retirement years has at least heard one of Harold’s poems recited to them or has received a gift of Harold’s Poems put to music. He has left behind a treasure trove of poems which eloquently represent his faith and life experiences.

Harold spent a lot of his time in retirement helping and serving others. He was a caregiver to his elderly father, and spent a lot of time with his Brother-in law, Howard, in his final months. He was truly a man without guile, always quick with a smile and a good word or deed. He was a quiet man who never spoke ill of anyone and had the gift of compassion for his fellow man. His kindness and gentleness has had a great influence on many people who will miss him.

In 2011, Harold moved to Idaho to live with his daughter. He stayed with her for three years and then moved into assisted living when short term memory loss began. As he aged, Harold become mellow and content; and was a joy to all those who lived with him at The Homestead at Carriage Cove. They will miss his quick wit, his teasing nature, and his ready smile. There will now be a huge void at the jigsaw puzzle table.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Lynn Ruth Firestone of Rexburg, ID, his brother and sister-in-law, Donald Lee Firestone and Dottie (Lewis) Firestone of Upper St. Clair, PA and Naples, FL, and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary Paul Firestone; one sister, Dorothy Jean (Firestone) Emery and her husband Howard Benson Emery; and two brothers Gerald Carl Firestone, and Robert Raymond Firestone and Bob’s wife, Anne (Gardner) Firestone.

Friends will be received Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 114 Church Drive, Monaca, PA 15061 where a service will be held at 11 a.m. immediately following the visitation. Arrangements are by the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC. Harold will be laid to rest at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park beside his beloved son, Gary, with whom he has now been joyfully reunited. If you wish to pay respects to Harold please do a kind deed for someone in need or donate to your favorite charity. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com