Harold Hieter

Harold C. Hieter, known to many as Pop-Pop, age 91, passed away on March 10, 2022, at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center in Richlandtown, PA.  He was the only child born on November 26, 1930 in Spinnerstown, PA, to the late D. Frank and Helen H. (Miller) Hieter, and the loving husband of the late Doris N. (Smith) Hieter.

Harold met the woman, who would become “the love of his life” while on the choir and in Catechetical class, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spinnerstown.  Harold would invite Doris to his ROTC dance, at Drexel University, and the rest was history.  Doris and Harold began their life together on a snowy Saturday evening, March 10, 1951, in a candlelit wedding at St John’s Lutheran Church.  A symbolic coincidence that he passed on what would have been their 71st wedding anniversary and will eternally rest alongside his love in the same location where their life together began.

Harold was a graduate of Quakertown Community High School, class of 1948.  Upon graduating and leaving behind his farm background, he enlisted in the ROTC while attending Muhlenburg College for a year, then transferring to Drexel University.  Harold’s goal was to start a family and begin a career.  With the volatility of the 1950’s, the young lives of many changed.  His college plans were put on hold as he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War.  Due to his ROTC involvement, he was able to pick his desired specialty and remain state side during the war as a photographer and camera maintenance technician.  After basic training at Fort Knox, KY, Harold’s son, David, was born.  His career in the service evolved to become an Army Criminal Claims Investigator stationing him in Wilkes-Barre, PA., where his daughter, Susan, was born.

Harold returned with his family to Spinnerstown, on the same property where he was born and raised to literally build his own home purchased from Sears.  His residence was built on Hieter Road, which was renamed for Harold’s father’s farm.

Because of his beginning college background, he secured a job at W. R. Grace in Quakertown PA.  While working full-time for W.R. Grace, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Drexel University in 1965 and became a chemist.  Using their lab, he was able to invent coatings and adhesives for such products as the brown Levi Jeans label and diapers.  During his tenure at W. R. Grace, he was selected to oversee the startup of a satellite plant outside Milan, Italy.  With help from his parents, his family was able to take a month long tour of Ireland, England, France, Switzerland & Italy.  He retired in 1995, after working 40 years at W.R. Grace.

A true enrichment in Harold’s life was the birth of his only grandchild, Megan Marie.  The role of “P-flop” was born.  Many miles of bike rides arose with Harold, Doris and Megan.  The most memorable being the Lehigh Valley Interstate ride before I-78 was officially opened.  He laughed and shook his head as his little granddaughter decided to walk down the hill instead of coast, however, being the man that he was, he followed suit and walked down the hill with her. “Are we having fun yet?,” is a quote Meg will never forget her Pop-Pop asking.

Over his lifetime, Harold has always been very active in his local community and church.  He was a 25-year member of the Milford Township Planning Commission.  As a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pennsburg, he served as church council president for many years along with being their adult bible class Sunday School teacher.  His generosity continued by becoming a weekly volunteer medical driver for Open Line.  His countless “gallons” of blood donations may still be circulating through the hearts of many.  Harold told many funny jokes and stories in English and Pennsylvania Dutch from his attendance at Grundsow Lodge meetings.  His last community involvement was as the treasurer on the board of Life Long Learning.

Harold’s many hobbies and interests include; raising fancy fan-tailed guppies for local pet stores, rock collecting and tumbling stones for use in his jewelry making, growing his 7 ft. tomato plants, canning and making tomato juice, onion soup making, savoring fresh steamed lobsters, reading history books, watching all types of sports, and endless hours of viewing current event TV programs.  Harold was an avid space enthusiast following every single NASA launch.  Doris and Harold enjoyed many road trips to New England and Nova Scotia following the lobster festivals that were along the way.  Southern trips included the Carolinas and visiting Doris’s brother, Ron, in Florida.

His nine decades of life have been fulfilled with many memories and travels.  Harold is described by many as having a “larger than life personality,” telling historical stories about his community.  He’s someone who’s integrity, leadership, and dedication leaves a lasting impression.

What a legacy of a good man!

Harold is survived by: daughter Susan (Hieter) Gross, grand-dog Luna; son David Hieter, granddaughter Megan (Gross) Sauter, husband Andy, and great-grand-dog Jacqi.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in passing by wife, Doris N. (Smith) Hieter, and son-in-law James Gross.

Services:

Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service

135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown PA 18951

Calling Hour: Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 10:00 AM

Service: 11:00 AM

Burial: Following the service

St John’s Lutheran Church Cemetary, Spinnerstown, PA 18968

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s honor to:

St Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

81 Main St. Pennsburg, PA 18073

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.NaugleFCS.com