William Harold Strople

Belmont-----William Harold Strople, 98, formerly of Belmont, NH and recently a resident at the Saint Francis Healthcare Center in Laconia, peacefully passed away on December 31, 2007.  He was born on June 12, 1909 in Gloucester, Massachusetts to William A. and Emma (Gott) Strople. 

     Harold met his wife, Sylvia L. Harris Strople, while both were employed with the Babson family of Gloucester.  They were married on December 20,1935 and enjoyed a remarkable seventy-two years of happy marriage together.  They moved to Belmont, N. H. in 1941 where he was employed by the Belmont Hosiery Company, later worked at Potter-Brumfield, and subsequently at the Scott & Williams Company.  He also served as a Special Officer with the Belmont Police Department. He became Superintendent of the Belknap County Home in 1962 and later served as Administrator of the Taylor Home in Laconia during the 1970’s, a position that he held until his retirement. 

Harold was a member of the Mt. Lebanon Lodge #32 F & AM Masonic Lodge for over fifty years where he advanced to the degree of Knight Templar.

          Harold was universally known as a gentle man who loved and cared for his family above all things.  His good humor and counsel will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Sylvia, of the Saint Francis Healthcare Center; daughters, Judith L Fairburn (Donald) of Oxford, Onio and Janice L. Sawyer (Steven Hooper) of Belmont; grandchildren, Heather Fairburn Maggard (James) of Parker, Colorado, William Fairburn (Danielle) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Susan Fairburn Vonderau (Chris) of Wilmington, N. C., Derek Sawyer (Prim) of Winchester, Mass., Matthew Sawyer (Kara) of Eliot, Maine and Tabitha Sawyer Kennett of Belmont and sixteen great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his three brothers and a sister.

There will be no calling hours. 

        A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family in the springtime.

        Those wishing to offer a remembrance may contribute to the “ Outside Patio Fund” at the Saint Francis Healthcare Center, 406 Court Street, Laconia, N. H. 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is in charge of the arrangements.  For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.