Obituary of Harold L. Williamson, Jr.

Harold L. Williamson, Jr., (also known as Handsome Harold and “Silver” Fox,) passed away peacefully in the comfort of his loving daughter's home in Rockaway Township on Monday, March 5, 2018. He was 93 years old.

Born in Belleville, he lived in Rockaway Township most of his life. He graduated from Belleville High School with a perfect attendance/tardiness award. While residing in Rockaway Township, Harold owned and operated Williamson ESSO Service Station in Mountain Lakes. He later worked for Hewlett Packard, retiring in 1986.

An Army Air Force Veteran, Harold proudly served in the Eighth Air Force during World War II on B-17 Bombers. He completed a tour of 30 bombing missions over Europe and received the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the American Service Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. In 2001, he received the Morris County World War II Commemorative Medal and also the New Jersey Distinguished Medal, which is the highest military award in the state.

Harold was a life member of B-17 Combat Crewmen and Wingmen, a member of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society and a member of the 306^th Bombardment Association. He received his private pilot’s license in 1947.

He also loved to go dirt track racing in Dover and in the 1950’s he was a Mountain Lakes Volunteer Firefighter.

Predeceased by his grandson, Ryan Williamson, he is survived by three children, Linda Bird of Rockaway Township, Cheryl Burgard of Vero Beach, Fl, and Ronald Williamson of Bradenton, Fl and three grandchildren.

All services will be private, including Military Honors at his gravesite, and under the direction of Norman Dean Home for Services. Please leave a condolence and special memory for his family. Memorial donations are being accepted to the charity of your choice in Handsome Harold’s memory.