Harry Woolston

He was a tough guy from the old school. Harry’s work life started in his teen years when he needed to help his mother provide for his six siblings; a work ethic that permeated his being. He was a foreman; entire worksites relied on his leadership. He spoke with authority and made sure you knew his words mattered; his volume never dipped below 8. And not just on the job; he was the same at home and out in the rest of the world. No better example than Harry at baseball games. Though banished to the far side of left field wearing his trademark duct taped Panama straw hat, everyone could hear him clearly at home plate and beyond; especially if his grandson hit a home run. He never missed a game. Of course, his love of duct tape could mislead you: Harry was savvy at doing repairs. He was the handyman for his entire family. Always in motion, he’d show up with a paint brush and a two-dollar ladder looking to help out. Or be out in your backyard pulling some annoying Ivy. He even built the back porch on his home. But his focus was always his family: his greatest joy was seeing his wife in the kitchen cooking because he knew his children and grandchildren would be gathering under his roof. And like a great foreman he taught his family how to tackle the biggest of jobs: a little bit at a time. He put 20,000 miles on his car travelling to McDonald’s and back; he loved their cheeseburgers. If his T.V was on he’d be checking out sports though he reluctantly admitted to checking out Ice Road Truckers. Relaxing times found him doing some fishing down at holiday lakes; he taught his grands the joy of fishing as well.
He’d meet a pretty lady named Vivian. Their first date was a fishing trip, Harry seasick with his head over the side of the boat. But the episode didn’t slow down their romance; they’d share a 35-year marriage: nothing made Harry smile like Vivian’s smile. He was the father of the late Cindy Woolston, the late Kim Perkins, the late Tracy Neal, Machelle Woolston, the late Donnie Carlin, David Carlin (Kathy), Kimberly Urbaniec (Chris), the late Jimmy Carlin, Joan Wietz (Georgie), Jane Bellaflores (Gary) and Pam Geary (David); grandfather and great-grandfather to many.
Come celebrate 86 great years Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Beverly where there will be a 1 p.m. service.