Photo courtesy of McComas Family Funeral Homes - Bel Air
Bel Air, Maryland
Sep 27, 1939 – Aug 1, 2016 (Age 76)
Harold "Pork" "Pop Pop" L. Vance, a resident of Bel Air, MD, died at the age of 76 on August 1, 2016 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. He was born in Kernersville, NC to Carl Ray Vance and Carrie Louise (Keyser) Vance. During his high school years, he was President of his senior class and served a summer in the Air National Guard of the United States of America. He went on to teach in Prince George's County Public Schools where he taught Science and History as well as coaching soccer. He retired from teaching after 30 years, at which time, he worked at Lowes in Bowie, MD and also worked at Montgomery Ward in Waldorf, MD. He was a member of Bel Air United Methodist Church and volunteered at the Bel Air Armory Visitors Center. In former years, he spent his spare time as a carpenter and handyman. His hobbies included model trains and building stick and tissue model airplanes and spending time with his friends at Sunny Day Café. He also loved to fish, and attended many NASCAR races. He enjoyed helping people and often arranged field trips, for his students, by train to New York. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Barbara S. Vance; daughters Stacey L. Cermak of Montclair, NJ and Michele R. Vance of Greenbelt; brothers Gerald T. Vance of Bryantown and Richard T. Vance of Lexington Park; sister Bonnie R. Glyda of Orlando, FL; and grandchildren Eliska Mae Cermak and Krystof Rey Cermak both of Montclair, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America at 355 Lexington Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10017 or online at myasthenia.org.
Mr. Vance was a kind teacher that took time with his students. I spent many an afternoon with Mr. Vance in model club after school at Frederick Sasscer Jr. High School. He is respected and will be missed
Larry Wilson
July 19, 2022 | Wake Forest, NC | Student
He was a great teacher always caring and very helpful.
Sherry Dmitrenak
February 28, 2021 | Columbus, OH | Student
Sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Vance was one of my teachers at Federick Sasscer Middle School. He was a excellent teacher.
Gale Johnson
March 11, 2018 | Laurel, MD | Student
I remember Mr. Vance and his wife, Barbara, from Frederick Sasscer High School. Barbara was my typing class teacher. My deepest sympathy to his family and may he Rest in Peace.
Ellen Moore (Windsor)
August 30, 2016 | Owings, MD | Friend
mr vance was a great teacher who said what he felt but then he could break it down so you would know what he meant the last time I saw him he looked at me and said you know who I am and I said how are you doing mr vance and he started laughing and then asked me how I was doing RIP Mr V.
Myron Jones
August 25, 2016
Remembered By
Wayne Whitifeld
August 24, 2016 | Athol, MA | Student
Stacy and I attended elementary school together. He was always one of those parents that volunteered for everything. Later in high school, he became one of my teachers and my drivers Ed teachers. I remember driving the windy back road in Croom as he held onto the dashboard at every corner. Never once did he raise his voice or panic, he had nerves of steal, but it was clear he didn't like my driving. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Stacy and his family. Donna DeLay...
Donna DeLay
August 23, 2016 | MD | Student
One of my favorite teachers and someone I called friend later in life. Just recently looked up his phone number -- wish I had made that call! Thank you for all you taught me! You are always thought of by your students! Rest in peace!
Laurie Fox
August 23, 2016 | Riva, MD | Friend
He was a great teacher of History and of life , I had the utmost respect for him ! Always positive and encouraging us to strive to do your best !! Rest in peace sir !!
Mark Flowers
August 23, 2016 | Remington, VA | Student
