Harold Porter Glidden

Harold Porter Glidden, 91, beloved husband and father, passed away Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Anita; five adoring children and their spouses, Norman Glidden and Jen Hayner of Glastonbury, Laurna and Mike Sheehan, of Ormond Beach, Florida, Janice Cuyler and Fredd Baber of South Windsor, Amy and Paul Marble of Manchester, and Tom and Liz Glidden of East Haddam. He also leaves four grandchildren, Erin and Michael Cuyler and Kate and Everett Glidden; as well as loving extended family Rich Cuyler of Ellington and John and Sharon Presch of Hebron, who coined the nickname "Pa G."

He was born and raised in Princeton, Maine, son of Laura Dow Glidden and Woodman Glidden. Harold met the love of his life, Anita Brodeur, at a dance at Lake Compounce in Bristol where he charmed her and they danced all night. After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany as a tank driver at the end of World War II, he came home and married her Aug. 3, 1957. Harold was a self-made man with a strong woman by his side. He worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford for over 35 years, retiring a foreman, with the respect and affection of his peers and those who worked for him. His love of aircraft continued after his retirement in 1986. He worked part time for American Airlines servicing the planes for the love of it.

He and Anita traveled extensively in the early years of their retirement, and became "snow birds," enjoying the winters at Anna Maria Island in Florida and splitting summers between Connecticut and the Princeton, Maine homestead. Later years were spent full time in Bradenton, Florida. But the positions to which Harold dedicated himself most were as a husband and father. Anita was his rock and he was her wings. He had an extreme love for and pride in his children and they all felt it then and will continue to feel it as he lives on in their memories. His passions were large family gatherings, drumming to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, a good intense game of set back, Whalers hockey, The Patriots, and more than anything – the Boston Red Sox!

A small family gathering was held in his honor, as he wished.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, watch a Red Sox game and cheer at the top of your lungs or, even better, watch a Yankees game and root for them to lose!