Harold D. Girt

Harold D. Girt of Ravenna, Ohio passed away at home on January 29, 2012. He is survived by his wife Gwendolyn (Auld) of 63 years, children Dale (Agnes), Gary (Sue Ann), Raymond (Eloise) and Sandra Ference (Tom); grandchildren Donald A. (Ashley), Sarah Tremmel (Scott); great grandchildren Chloe, Reese and Abigail. Harold was preceded in death by his parents Gertrude L. and Percy A. Girt and an infant son Donald William Girt.

He was born in Massillon, Ohio on July 31, 1924. He was a 1942 graduate of Timken Vocational High School. While in High School, he entered High School competition and was awarded first place in snare drum competition. One of the judges comments was “if ever there was perfection, this was it”. He attended Mount Union College and Ohio State University where he was a drummer in the Ohio State Marching Band, and graduated with a BS Degree in Accounting from Kent State University in 1951. He worked at Kent State University for 26 years, retiring in 1991 as Associate Vice President of Financial Affairs.

Harold was a veteran of WWII, serving with the Army 10th Air Corps 434th Bomb Squadron in the China-Burma-India Theatre, flying 74 combat missions in a B-25. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant as a Radio-Operator-Waist Gunner. His decorations and citations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Victory II, Asian Theatre, Pacific Theatre with 3 Bronze stars, and Air Medal with one Bronze Cluster.

He was an established percussionist and performed with many musical groups, including the Canton Symphony, Grotto Band, and the Canton VFW and Massillon American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. He was a member of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers. In later years, he was a member of the Crag Dhe Cead Pipe Band.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna, where he served on the Financial Committee. Harold was a friend to everyone and will be deeply missed by all.

Friends will be received Wednesday, February 1, 2012, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Stephen Sparling at 10:00 AM on Thursday at the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna. Burial will take place at 2:30 PM on Thursday at Sunset Hills Burial Park in Canton.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna, 263 S. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266.