Harold J Kimmel

Harold J. Kimmel, 79, of Orlando, FL, passed away June 22, 2011 after a brief illness. Born in St. Paul,MN on September 13, 1931, he graduated from the University of Minnesota. He served in the Navy from 1951 to 1954. Harold worked as Business Director for Honeywell in St. Paul, MN and Tampa, FL, and Cordis Corp in Miami, FL. He went on to become an entrepreneur opening Quill Printing and Richard’s Pawn and Appliance. He enjoyed golfing, bike riding and dabbling in the stock market.

Survivors include his 5 children; daughters Gloria (Paul Marco), Karin (Dan Burgun); sons Ron (Jean), Ken (Tina) and Rob; grandson Zackery “Zacko”; wife of 27 years Frances Kimmel; brother Donald Kimmel (Louise); sister Charlotte Kelly (G.T.); 7 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and great nephews, and Godfather to Thomas Kelly and Kathy Kimmel.

Memorial Service will be held Monday, June 27, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, 407-293-1361. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VITAS Hospice Charitable Fund, The Salvation Army, and The National Stroke Association, in memory of Mr. Kimmel.

We remember…

Working in the yard, on cars, fixing and/or building anything that needed fixed or improved. I remember spending the weekends working on the apartments in Tampa. He was always a Mr. Fix-it. If it cost $200 to have it fixed, we used old scraps and fixed it ourselves. He enjoyed visiting my house in Texas and working on too. He was a great nanny for my dog Honey – Ron

Harold is remembered for the many visits to family members living in various distant areas. Among these were annual visits to a brother and sister in Minnesota. These visits were often more than a mere social flavor. He always sought out occasions for applying his exceptional carpentry skills to needy home repairs. There are numerous examples that demonstrate yard and decorating improvements that he made during these visits. It was particularly enjoyable socially to visit Harold during rare cold spells because Harold had designed a “cold air” heating system – a small outdoor stove that used wood and papers scraps – located on his patio that allowed comfortable and prolonged social visits. – Charlotte & G.T.

For 45 years Harold has called me “Louise” even though my name is Jan. He had a special name for everyone. – Jan

Hi Laddie Boy – you sure left a big pair of shoes to fill. I’m trying to get them filled but can’t so I’m having a horn in your favor. There are a number of us sitting here so I told Rob to get out some popcorn but Rob said they didn’t have any. Kenny invited us to his house but he said he didn’t have any ham. Ron-John was trying to get something going but Poge keeps stealing his tools. Kenny reminds me of the time that you had a fire in the pawn shop and guess what – here comes Push ‘em out. He knows how to make the fire go out. He wants to know if we would like to go have a beer and shrimp. And, as usual, he’s got fish hooks in his pocket. Remember the time we went out for dinner and I left a gigantic tip and the waitress came after Ronnie and gave him the dime saying ‘you need this more than I do’. Lad, there are others that want to say something. Hold a seat open, I’ll be up to see you shortly. Good-bye. – Donald

To my Padre who always called me Tutu – I will keep you close to my heart. I will cherish our walks together. I will never forget the flash card drills and adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing for first grade. I remember our small sailboat, rated for 4, but used by a family of 7! Our drills to learn how to maneuver the boat, to tack and come about, and always have ‘man overboard’ for fun. I have no children to carry on your name, but I have part of you to carry on your legacy. – Your Gloria

Harold – go in peace. God be with you. Your Mother is waiting. Bless you. – Fran

See u at the 19th hole and we’ll have a grand game. – Paul.

Pop Pop was an awesome Grandfather! When he saw Zack the first time at the hospital, the look in his eyes was priceless. He dedicated a lot of time to visiting and enjoying his grandson. He dressed up in a Civil War costume and marched around the backyard carrying a flag, built pillow forts, had shooting wars with Nerf guns, and strategized with Zack in hundreds of games of Sorry!

He was always encouraging us to remember the importance of having fun as parents and to let go of the little things because they don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. Seeing him interact with Zack reminded me of how he was always at my sporting events, coaching me and inspiring me to be a better person. I could write a book with all of the good memories I have with my Dad. He taught me to be a hard worker at whatever job I do, and I hope that I can be half the father to my son that he was to me.

We asked my son how he was doing and he said, “I need a heart transplant, my heart is broken!” I believe that pretty much sums up how we all feel!! - Ken, Zack & Tina

There are not enough words to describe what my Dad meant to me. He was someone I looked up to for guidance and advice. He told me the truth, whether I wanted to hear it or not, but always made sure he tempered it with love. I will miss his laugh, his quirky sayings, but most of all I will miss him. I loved him for the man he was; there is a hole in my heart now that he is gone. But I am comforted in knowing that he is at peace and with God. – His daughter Karin