Obituary for Harold E. Fernald Hampton – Harold E. Fernald, 87, of Hampton, died Monday, May 21, 2018 at Merrimack Valley Health Center in Amesbury, MA. He was born in Portsmouth, May 18, 1931, the son of the late Harold and Doris (Pinkham) Fernald. Harold attended Hampton schools and graduated from Plymouth Teachers College in 1953.
He served two years in the United States Army and six years in the Active Reserves. Harold was a social studies teacher for 41 years including 5 years at Exeter High School and 36 years at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, retiring in 1996. He was Chairperson of the Social Studies department for 27 years and past President of the NH Social Studies Association.
Harold taught archaeology and anthropology and involved his students in many archaeological excavations throughout the area. He also coached cross country and winter and spring track at both schools and won several state cross country and spring track championships at Winnacunnet High School. He was a past member of the Hampton Police Department.
Harold was a member of St. James Masonic Lodge #102 F & AM of Hampton where he served in the past as Worshipful Master and Historian and was Historian Emeritus of the Lodge; served for 31 years as Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of NH and was Grand Lodge Historian Emeritus; was past Master of the Masonic Anniversary Lodge of Research; was a member of the Dover-Portsmouth Scottish Rites Bodies. Harold was awarded the General John Sullivan medal and the Jeremy L. Cross medal by the Grand Masonic Lodge of NH. Harold was a past president and Historian Emeritus of the Hampton Historical Society, founder and Worshipful Master of the William Whipple Military Lodge of Masons and a longtime member of the restoration and operation of the William Pitt Tavern at Strawberry Banke.
As a member of the NH Bicentennial State Revolutionary War Commission, Harold recreated the 1776 Hampton town colonial militia unit known as the Winnacunnet Guard and served as captain. He also organized the William Whipple military masonic colonial lodge unit. Both colonial militia units took part in numerous local, state and national reenactments and events.
Harold gave countless lectures and slideshows regarding the history, lore and heritage of New Hampshire and NH Freemasonry since 1965. He was always willing and eager to be a re and help anyone who was seeking information regarding a vast array of historical topics. Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Priscilla; daughters Lisa and Laurie; son Stephen and his wife Melissa; grandchildren Nathan, Shelby, Patrick and Chase; sister-in-law Carolyn; sister-in-law Alison and her husband Erick; and nieces and nephews Michele, Michael, Sharon and Mark.
In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Lynch. In accordance with Harold’s wishes, there will be no services. Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
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