Dr. Harry D. Fletcher

Dr. Harry D. Fletcher, our beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend went to meet his cherished God on the 28th day of May at the age of 80. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was born on March 7, 1925 in Gloucester, New Jersey to Frances and Thomas Fletcher. He had no siblings. After serving in the Army Air Corps in WWII, he and his wife Theresa (nee McHugh) married on June 25, 1949 and would have celebrated their 55th anniversary this June. Together, they had four wonderful and loving children; Theresa Kathleen Staley, Kevin Gerard, and two sons Harry David and Mark Francis who preceded him in death and with whom he is now happily reunited. He also leaves behind a special son-in-law, Larry P. Staley, and two lovely and cherished granddaughters, Kelly Staley and Kristen Staley. Upon receiving his B.S. degree from Temple University, he served in Continuing Education for North Carolina State University. After pursuing a Master's degree at New York University, he served as Director of Public Safety for the New Jersey State Safety Council. Harry then spent 17 years as a director for Continuing Education at Pennsylvania State University where he received his Doctorate of Education. He and his family moved to Phoenix in 1970 and Harry became Dean of Instruction for Maricopa Technical College, which is now Gateway Community College. He held that position for 17 years until illness forced his retirement. Although enduring many years of illness, he still managed to serve Waste Not Want Not-a food service to the needy. He devoted many hours to church ministries over the years and in his pursuit of spiritual growth, he made a Cursillo, attended Marriage Encounter, the Charismatic Renewal and was a member of People of Joy. In his last years, when able, he served in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. During his lifetime he had been a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Men's Club of 0.L.P.H. Visitation 5-8 with rosary at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Messinger's Funeral Home at Miller and Indian School Roads. Mass of the Resurrection will be at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Miller Road in Scottsdale.