Gilbert E. Harig Jr.

Gilbert E. Harig Jr.

Gilbert Edward "Poppy" Harig Jr., 72, of Waynesboro, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2010, at the University of Virginia after a brief illness.

He was born on July 8, 1938, in Catonsville, Maryland, the son of Katharine M. Harig and the late Gilbert E. Harig Sr.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Ann, and a sister Catherine Harrod.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy C. Harig; a son, Gilbert E. Harig III and his wife, Pamela, of Fishersville; a daughter, Tracey Harig Fitzgerald and her husband, Kip, of Bridgewater; eight grandchildren whom he adored, Brandon and Taylor Fitzgerald, and Brandon, Ashley, Daniel, Ethan, Emiley, and Ian Harig; brothers, Thomas A. Harig of Taneytown, Maryland, and Charles R. Harig of Baltimore, Maryland; and a special brother-in-law, Herbert G. Barthlow of Lewisburg, West Virginia.

Gil was a member of Finley Memorial Presbyterian Church of Stuarts Draft. He was proud to have served in the United States Navy and worked as a parachute rigger. He retired after 30 years from United Parcel Service where he held various management positions. Also, he was an active board member of the East Augusta Weekday Religious Education Program. He was a 33rd Degree Masonic Mason with membership in the Scottish Rite of Lynchburg, Corinthian Lodge No. 93 of Maryland, and Eureka Lodge No. 195 of Bridgewater.

Gil was a very loving and caring man who was always ready to help where ever he was needed. Everybody loved his sense of humor. He loved fishing, football, NASCAR, pinochle, and going on cruises, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

McDow Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2010, at the funeral home, beginning with Masonic rites at 6 p.m. to which the public is invited.

A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Monday, October 18, 2010, at Finley Church.

Additional services will be held at Haight Funeral Home and Chapel, Sykesville, Maryland, 3 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2010, with visitation at 2 p.m. followed by burial at Lakeview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Augusta Weekday Religious Education Program, P.O. Box 846, Fishersville, VA 22939, Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939, or Finley Memorial Building Fund, P.O. Box 256, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.