Harold “Hal” Eugene Wingard (86) passed away in his home surrounded by family on December 26, 2024. Harold was born in Gastown, PA on October 30, 1938 in his family home to parents Floyd and Jean Wingard.
It is impossible to summarize the character of Hal in only a few words, but anyone who knew him could tell you about his profound sense of humor, his kindness, his patience, and how he always made time for anyone. His family will confirm that even a simple trip to the grocery store could take hours because Hal knew just about every person in town!
Dr. Wingard retired from the Pennsylvania National Guard as a Colonel. He worked as a teacher at the elementary, secondary, and university levels in both PA and Virginia. Hal received both his bachelors and masters degrees from Slippery Rock in Health Education before going on to get his PHD in Health Education from Southern Illinois. Hal finished his teaching career as the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at IUP.
Hal not only had an extensively selfless career but also used his free time to give back to his community. As an active member of the American Heart association, Hal was a chairman of the board and heavily influenced a multitude of other projects in his time there. He also worked on multiple boards for Citizen’s Ambulance and poured countless hours into the American Cancer Society. Dr. Wingard also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities such as United Way and the Red Cross. He was honored with countless awards for his efforts in the community and the military. His hobbies even extended into nature; Harold proudly owned a Christmas tree farm which he carefully cultivated for over 30 years.
Dr. Wingard is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” Wingard, sister Carolyn, two children (Jeff and Julie), and four grandchildren. With heavy hearts, his loved ones say goodbye for now. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Friends will be received Friday, January 3, 2025 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory of Indiana (965 Philadelphia St.). His Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 4th at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Indiana.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: rbfh.net
