Harold Edward Spedding

1931 - 2016

Harold E. Spedding, Major NJSP #1309 (Retired)

Tuckerton

Harold Edward Spedding, Major NJSP #1309 (Retired) - of Tuckerton passed away unexpectedly at home on June 19, 2016. He was born May 14, 1931 in Trenton, NJ to Harold & Eleanor Spedding. Harold graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Richard Stockton State College. Harold graduated high school in 1949 on a Friday and on the following Monday he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and left for Parris Island. He served for five years, including one year in Korea in combat with Charlie Company 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. After being honorably discharged, Harold enlisted in the NJ State Police, graduating as part of the 45th class in 1954. He was stationed at the Tuckerton State Police Barracks for 10 years. Eight years after becoming a trooper he worked his first disaster….the 1962 storm that devastated the New Jersey Coast. Harold was a Detective at Division Headquarters in Trenton and later promoted to Lieutenant, assigned to the State Police Central Security Unit. As Captain he headed up the State Police Organized Crime Bureau. In 1980 Harold was promoted to Major and transferred to the Office of Emergency Management until 1986 when he retired at age 55, the cut-off for the NJ State Police. Harold was a member of the Former Troopers Association.

In 1989 FEMA called and for the next 17 years he worked as a disaster specialist across the country and the US Virgin Islands. Harold served on the Tuckerton Borough Council from 1987-1993 at which time he oversaw emergency management for the borough. In 2007 he was hired by the borough as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Tuckerton. Harold held that title until his death.

Harold was very active in the Manahawkin Elks Lodge BPOE 2340. He was elected as the 1st Exalted Ruler of the newly formed lodge on March 2, 1966. He was also a distinguished Master Mason for 58 years with Tuckerton Lodge #4, F. & A.M.

Harold is survived by his three loving children and eight grandchildren. Kenneth Spedding and his sons Jason, Justin and Clayton, Darcy and Chris Sharkey and their sons Spencer and Griffin, and Patti and Anthony Bowen and their children Ashlee, Shawna and Anthony Jr., and his faithful lab Winston. He is also survived by other family members, many cherished friends and loved ones. Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Helen.

Friends and family may gather Thursday, June 30, 2016, from 6-9 PM, with a service at 9 PM, at WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 134 EAST MAIN ST., TUCKERTON, N.J. Burial will be private, in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, at the family's convenience. For condolences and more information visit www.woodfuneralhomeinc.com.