Obituary of Harold R. Deal

Harold R. Deal, 74, of Bangor, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 17, 2022. Born in Breckenridge, TX, he was the son of the late Anne Marie and Joseph C. Deal. Harold, along with his siblings, was raised by great uncle and great aunt, Edmond T. and Dorothy Bray Scholz.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Elizabeth A. nee Fritts Deal. Harold  and Elizabeth "Bets" celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 20, 2022, and during their marriage of 50 years, enjoyed their dream home along the river which they painstakingly renovated.

Harold graduated from Belvidere High School in 1966 and Warren Technical Institute in 1969.

Harold was a caring, kind, quiet and talented man with great respect for nature.

He thoroughly enjoyed solo river trips, venturing throughout the United States, Central America and Canada.

Harold designed two solo river canoes, the Solo River Tripper and the Shaman, which are still being built by Hemlock Canoe Works, Hemlock, NY.

After being employed by Witte & Company and Hoffman LaRoche, he transitioned into the life of freelance photography, canoe design and many adventures. Harold was well known and admired within the canoe paddling world.

Harold won 24 national white water solo canoe championships in the United States, as well as numerous awards in canoe competition.

He enjoyed travels in the United States, including Hawaii, Africa, Bermuda and Canada. Along with canoeing, he enjoyed hiking, snowshoeing, biking and photography.

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, Elizabeth A., are a sister, Jo Ann Gaines; brothers, John E. Deal and David R. Deal; a step-sister, Belinda Washington.

Friends may call from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday, October 21, 2022 at United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, 224 Mansfield Street, Belvidere, NJ, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will conclude services at the Belvidere Cemetery, Oxford Street, Belvidere, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Harold's memory to the American Cancer Society.