Harry George Newman, Jr.

Harry was born May 28, 1928 in Hammond, IN, the son of Harry George, Sr. and Dorothy Greene Newman. He married Betsy Johnson on September 21, 1952 at Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield.

Harry was a graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1946. He enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Platoon 402, Paris Island, from 1946 until he was honorably discharged in 1948. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Government from Bradley University in 1952. Later, he earned his master’s degree in Psychology (1973) and Computer Science (1975) and from Sangamon State University, now the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Harry was employed as a Technical Engineer for Illinois Bell Telephone Company (1952-1955) and Sangamo Electric Company (1955-1971). He was Associate Director of Operations at Southern Illinois School of Medicine (1971-1978). He was also employed as a Test Engineer for Fiat-Allis Construction Machinery (1978-1981). During this period, he also found time in the evenings to serve as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Sangamon State University (1977-1987). Harry completed his career as a Manager for the Bureau of Information and Communication Services, State of Illinois (1981-1993).

Harry was a very active member of Christ Episcopal Church beginning in 1946 and later became ordained as a Deacon for the Diocese of Springfield, assisting with many services, weddings and memorials for several decades. He passionately served as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 7 based at Christ Church for many years. He challenged young men to develop their skills and will be remembered by many for the camping trips and hikes in central Illinois, as well as the number of Scouts achieving the rank of Eagle during his watch.

Harry and Betsy met sailing at Island Bay Yacht Club in 1951 and have been active members for 64 years. Annual summer family camping and canoe trips to northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan were highlights for Harry and his family. Harry was a strong hiker and, when visiting family in Washington State, he took the opportunity to summit several peaks in the Cascade Range with his son. Near retirement, he became a proficient bagpiper and seized any opportunity to march in a parade in Illinois, as well as in Washington. In the twilight years, Harry and Betsy were active serving others with the Meals on Wheels program in Springfield.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy Giampetro.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betsy of Bellevue, WA; son, Harry George (wife, Ginny) Newman, III of Bellevue, WA; daughter, Mary Ellen Newman of Springfield; two grandchildren, Caressa (husband, Tim) Libs of Snohomish, WA and Ali Newman of Springfield; great-grandson, Parker Libs of Snohomish, WA; brother-in-law, George Giampetro, Sr. of Coral Gables, FL; two nieces, Sandy Fox of Savoy, IL and Kathi Durham of Melbourne Beach, FL; three nephews, Jim Corrington, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Gil Corrington of Springfield, and George Giampetro, Jr of Miami, FL.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following visitation.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church, 611 E. Jackson, Springfield, with The Rev. Dr. Gregory A. Tournoux officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Marine Corps.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, Illinois Capital Area Chapter, 1045 Outer Park Dr., Springfield, IL 62704, or the Boy Scouts of America, Abraham Lincoln Council, 5231 South 6th St. Road., Springfield, IL 62703.