Dr. Harry N. Upson, PhD Obituary (1929 - 2012)

“Beloved Husband & Father”Dr. Harry N. Upson, PhD, 83 of Richmond, VA, Westfield, NJ, Philadelphia, PA and Salt Lake City, UT, beloved husband of Carmen Bechard of 47 years, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2012. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife and his children, Harry Lee Upson II, Deborah Upson Thompson, and Candace Upson McLane, his nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His parents, Harry Lee Upson and Ola Coleman Upson, preceded him in death. Harry was born in Richmond, Va. on May 26, 1929, and attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, Va., where he was a member of the Cadet Corps. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, was a member of the Corps of Cadets and graduated with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1950. Harry valued education. In 2004, he received his PhD in Engineering Management from Kennedy Western University. Harry had a 57 year career at Richmond Engineering Company (RECO), serving in many capacities including President of the Richmond plant, and President and CEO of RECO Industries Inc. of New Jersey.Harry was committed to service to his community. He served as a Commanding Officer of 2031st Research and Development Unit, USAR. A long-standing member of St. Bridget’s Parish, he served as a CCD instructor as well as a member of the St. Bridget’s Church Development Committee. He was a Rotarian for 20 years, serving as President of the Kenilworth, NJ Rotary Club, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.We thank God for the gift of Harry's life and the blessing of the time we spent with him. He provided a wonderful example of grace, courage, and service. Family will receive visitors at Bliley’s-Central, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, VA on Sunday, November 18, 4 to 6pm, with a rosary prayer service at 5:30PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 6006 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, VA on Monday, November 19 at 12PM. Internment will follow at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Harry’s name be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association Richmond Chapter, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060, or by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association website at http://www.alz.org.