Harold James Laurent

Harold James Laurent died peacefully on November 11th, having enjoyed 94 years of a very full life. Harold was born in Taft, LA to Alcide Laurent and Laure Laurent. He graduated from Hahnville High School in Hahnville, LA and received a BS in Physics from LSU where he met his future wife, Margaret. Harold joined the Army immediately after graduating and headed to Officer Training in Aberdeen, MD. Harold and Margaret were married in New Iberia on October 8, 1952.

After several years in the Army, during which his first two children were born, he moved to Baltimore, MD in 1955, to start his new career in Automotive Engineering. In Baltimore, five more children were added to the family.

In 1971, Harold’s job took the family to Newport News, VA. They both became very active in the church, including working tirelessly in Refugee Resettlement after the end of the Vietnam War, bringing families into their own home while working to secure housing for them. He and Margaret recognized that one young refugee from Cambodia needed their help and brought her into their family and loved her as a daughter.

Harold’s job took them to France for two years, allowing them to travel extensively in Europe. After retiring, Harold joined Margaret in volunteering at Riverside Regional Convalescent Center, providing Pastoral Care for residents. They also started a a gift giving program for residents with no family, which blossomed to include several nursing homes, as well as Social Services and Group Homes in the area.

Harold was active in Kiwanis, serving as Club President as well as Lt. Governor at the state level. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus.

Harold is survived by his children, Harold Jr, Carl (Jennie), Ray (Callie), Steve (Jeanne), Anne Shea (Steve), Richard (Francine), Brian, Sovanara Glass, as well as 21 grandchildren and 20 Great-Grandchildren.

A Memorial mass honoring Harold will be held at Noon, Friday, November 21st at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Newport News, VA, where Harold lived for 50 years before relocating to Greensboro, NC four years ago.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Authoracare Collective at https://www.authoracare.org/give/donate-online.