Harold K. Dell Jr.

1920 - 2021

Harold K Dell, Jr

Sarasota - Our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Harold K. Dell Jr., better known as "Punky" passed away peacefully at the age of 101 at his home in Sarasota, Florida.

He was born on April 25th, 1920 in Baltimore, Maryland where he lived for many years. He attended Yale University, where he studied civil engineering and was a celebrated lacrosse player. He held the record, until just recently, for most goals (10) scored in 2 different lacrosse games. After college he served in the Navy during WWII and the Korean War and retired as a LT Commander. He then went on to a long and successful career running his family's steel company, John J. Greer Inc. During his career he helped to orchestrate the sale of the company to Worthington Industries, where he continued to work until his retirement.

Punky and his first wife, Joan White Dell, were married in 1942. They raised their 6 children and in the early years, often spent summer vacations in Ocean City, Maryland. This was the starting point for his love of warm weather, the beach and Maryland hard shell crabs.

Punky married his late, second wife Joan Maitland Dell also while living in Baltimore. Once he retired, they moved to Venice, Florida where they continued their love of golf and traveling which included visiting their second home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a favorite place for the two of them. Also, during this time, he continued his natural leadership abilities where he was President of the Golf Association at the Venice Golf and Country Club and was an active member of his community.

His most recent years were spent at Glenridge in Sarasota where he moved with Judy Sperry Dell. She passed away in 2020 but during their life together they continued to travel, play golf and enjoy their dear group of friends.

Punky was gifted with remembering every fact and detail about almost everything including all of his travels. His entire family loved hearing the stories he would tell. He had a wonderful sense of humor, quick wit and was always friendly and courteous, making everyone he came in contact with feel important. Punky was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the staff at Glenridge. His family thanks all of the staff who always took amazing care of he and Judy.

Punky leaves behind 5 children, Butch (Jessie), Sally (Rex), Joannie (Joe), Rick (Jamie), Trisha (Calvin), and Chuck (who proceeded him in death), his extended family of 5 children through marriage, Julie, Alix (Derek), Steve, Carol and Susanne, 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

He will be laid to rest at the Sarasota National Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Glenridge Employees Foundation which has been set up to help employees in times of need. Please make any donation: In memory of Punky Dell addressed to the above foundation at 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota, Florida 34238