Harry A. Duckworth Jr.

Harry A. Duckworth, Jr., 82, of Williamsburg died peacefully on April 4 after a long illness.
Born in Scranton, Pa., he was the son of Harry A. and Marion Rice Duckworth. He attended Scranton Country Day School, Wyoming Seminary, and graduated from Scranton Central High School.
He earned his private pilot's license at the age of 16 and went on to establish a career in aviation that spanned more than 50 years. He held an airline transport pilot rating as well as multi-engine land and sea plane and glider ratings, an A&E mechanic's license and a variety of instructor's ratings.
He instructed student pilots, flew charters, and managed fixed-base operations before hiring on as a test pilot for Bell Laboratories in White Sands, N.M., and Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific as part of the Nike-Zeus Anti-missile Missile Project. He served as Chief Pilot for Scranton Airways and for International Salt Co. and as Line Captain for American Enka Co. and for BASF Corp.
He was an avid sports car fan and, as a member of the Sports Car Club of America, he raced a 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster at such venues as Watkins Glen, Marlboro, and Bridgehampton. He also enjoyed taking part in hill climbs and speed trials.
He was preceded in death by a son, Harry A Duckworth, III. He is survived by his widow, Leah; daughter Linda McAndrew, Dalton, Pa.; five sons: Richard, Waterbury, Vt; Randy, Clarks Summit, Pa. ; James, Dalton, Pa.; John, Midland, Va.; and Matthew, New Kent, Va., as well as by eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on May 11 at the Queen's Lake Club, where family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to Sentara Hospice Program, Hampton, Va.