Plan for the Future
Harold R. Lyons “Hal” of Mantoloking NJ, formerly of Livingston NJ, died peacefully in his home on December 16, 2012. He was 88.
Mr. Lyons was born in Jersey City, but moved to Millburn, NJ while in elementary school and spent most of his childhood and early adult years there. He entered Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. However, in 1943 left Lehigh to join the US Navy and served until his honorable discharge in 1946. He returned to Lehigh, and graduated in 1948 with a BS degree in Metallurgical Engineering while also studying for a semester at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). While at Lehigh, he was initiated into the brotherhood of the Sigma Chi International Fraternity at the Alpha Rho Chapter.
Following graduation, he went to work for the Bethlehem Steel Co., working in their wire mill at their Johnstown plant in various production capacities. He subsequently joined the Air Reduction Co. (Airco), where he spent the major portion of his career working in welding research, production, sales and divisional marketing. He retired in 1986. During an interim period in his work career with Airco, in the late ‘50’s and ‘60’s, he joined Reaction Motors in a sales/marketing assignment working with the various military services, nuclear agencies, and prime contractors to secure contracts for product and systems development programs, and in-house research. He held both Department of Defense “Secret” and Atomic Energy Commission “Q” clearances. During his career he received several patents for his inventions, an accomplishment he was very proud of.
Mr. Lyons was a member of the American Society for Metals, American Rocket Society, American Ordinance Association, Newark Junior Chamber of Commerce, Century Lodge, Collins Civic Association and was active with Little League Baseball.
Mr. Lyons enjoyed reading, computers, genealogy and sailing as well as spending time with his family in his home at the Jersey Shore.
He was the beloved husband of 57 years to his wife Joan, loving father to Leigh Ann of Millburn, Chris of Atlanta, GA; and Peter of Livingston. He was also the cherished grandfather of Jordan, Nicole and Taylor Lyons.