Harold Robert Blakeman

Harold R. Blakeman died Sunday, September 23, 2012. He was born in New York City, May 28, 1916, and accepted a transfer to Wilmington in 1953, from the New York headquarters of France Neckwear and Garver Manufacturing Corp.

Mr. Blakeman was a graduate of the College of the City of New York, where he was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, the national honorary scholastic society. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps for four years, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.

He was a Certified Public Accountant, and during his business career was the Treasurer of France Neckwear and Garver Manufacturing Corp. from 1948 to 1973. He joined the J.W. Murchison Co. as Treasurer in 1973, until his retirement in 1981.

Mr. Blakeman’s professional affiliations included the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the Institute of Management Accountants.

He was active in civic affairs, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way and St. John’s Art Gallery, Boy Scout Committeeman, and for twenty years President of the Advisory Council of the Wilmington Golf Club.

He was a member of the Temple of Israel for 59 years, serving as President, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Endowment Fund. He was a Lifetime member of the Cape Fear Country Club.

Mr. Blakeman was predeceased by his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Lillian. Surviving are son Michael K. Blakeman and companion Joan Phillips of Westminster, CA, daughter Hollace L. Blakeman of Wayne, NJ, and Lesley A. Blakeman of Wilmington.

The family is grateful for the love and special support given by his caregivers and Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at Temple of Israel, corner of Fourth and Market Streets, at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 30th by Rabbi Sidlofsky.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401 or Temple of Israel, P.O. Box 4022, Wilmington, NC 28406.

The staff of Coble Ward-Smith is honored to serve the family of Harold Blakeman.