Harold Edward Fry

Harold Edward Fry, Jr. was born in East Canton, Ohio as the 4th of 6 children to Harold Edward Fry, Sr. and Gladys Fern Fry (Spahlinger). As a boy, Hal spent summers working on farms and delivering newspapers on his bicycle until he graduated from East Canton High School in 1966. Upon graduation, Hal enlisted in the Air Force as an air traffic controller and served in Guam during the Vietnam War. Sometime around this time, Hal won (and a few years later he lost) a ’57 T-Bird while playing poker. After Hal returned home from his military service, he moved to Richmond, Virginia and worked for a tobacco factory. Hal then moved to Indianapolis to be an air traffic controller at the Indianapolis International Airport. Hal always joked later that he was fired by the President of the United States during the PATCO strike of 1981. Hal then got married and had his daughter Katelyn, and embarked on a new professional journey as an insurance salesman, where he eventually owned his own agency until he retired. 



Those who were privileged to know Hal will always remember him for his quick wit, sarcasm and funny sense of humor. Beneath Hal’s endless one-liners and zingers, lay a sensitive and loving soul who cherished every moment spent with his family and friends dearly. 



Hal had an immense passion for sports and avidly cheered for the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians and loved going to games to watch the Pacers, Colts, Indianapolis Indians, and Butler Bulldogs. An enthusiast of all things Ohio, Hal particularly enjoyed visiting Put-in-Bay and returning to his roots in northeast Ohio.



Music held a special place in Hal’s heart, especially classic rock, and he would sing along with delight. He took pleasure in the simple joys of life, whether it was working on his tan while working in his yard or enjoying a delicious meal accompanied by an ice cold Miller Lite. Hal was also an excellent craftsman who enjoyed building things and built his family home along with the help and guidance of a dear friend.  As a businessman with a love for food, Hal also owned a restaurant for several years as he neared retirement. 



As a loving father, Hal’s proudest achievement in life was his daughter, Katelyn. From the moment she came into his world, Hal’s whole life revolved around her. He embraced the role of being an exceptional father not only to Katelyn, but also to all her friends who considered him a second dad. His love and support knew no bounds, making him a treasured presence in the lives of his daughters’ friends and all the children he coached over the years in basketball and softball. 



In addition to Katelyn, Hal leaves behind his cherished granddaughter, Belle  and his step-grandson, Hunter, whom he cared for for many years. They brought immeasurable joy to his life, and his unconditional love for them knew no bounds. Belle inherited Hal’s bright, sparkly blue eyes, for which Hal was always known.

Hal peacefully departed this world with his daughter at his side, leaving behind countless cherished memories. In the hearts of all of those who loved him, his memory will forever reside as a beacon of love, light, and warmth.

Hal is survived by Carolyn (Bob) Metzger, Loren Fry, George (Jean) Fry, Steve (Nancy) Fry, and Craig Fry – each sharing a special bond of love and friendship that will forever hold them together. Hal is preceded in death by his parents, Harold Edward Fry, Sr., and Gladys Fern Fry, whom he loved and spoke of fondly until his final days.

No services at this time.  To celebrate Hal, drink an ice-cold one wherever you are while listening to his favorite band, The Beatles, and know he is singing right along from where he is in Heaven.