Harold Mackey Obituary

Ashtabula – Harold A. Mackey, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Ashtabula Regional Medical Center. He was born January 11, 1932, in Port Clinton, Ohio, the son of John and Phyllis (nee Below) Mackey. Harold graduated from Ashtabula High School with the Class of 1951. Following graduation, he began his career as a telephone installer, working for several companies before retiring from Alltel after 42 years of dedicated service. On August 30, 1952, Harold married the love of his life, the late Carolyn Jane (nee Horst) Mackey. Together they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on September 16, 2019. A devoted member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Harold served faithfully as an usher and on the church board until his health no longer allowed. He was also active at the Ashtabula YMCA, where he competed in handball and participated in the Indian Guides program. Harold also enjoyed coaching his son in Little League Baseball and continued coaching for many years afterward, encouraging countless young athletes along the way. Harold's hobbies reflected his creativity and love of craftsmanship. In his younger years, he built fly-by-wire planes from balsa wood and gas engines. He also enjoyed woodworking, carving, and furniture making. Harold and Carolyn loved to travel together, taking cruises, bus trips, and vacations across the country-each one, he often said, was "the best one yet." In recent years, he found joy in the simple pleasures of watching nature and feeding the squirrels and birds outside his home. Harold is survived by his children, Gail Mackey, Mindy Young, Betsy (George) Shields, and Michal Mackey; grandchildren, Shannon (Bob) Ellison, Holly Barnum, Aaron (Johanna) Mackey, and Craig Barnum; great-granddaughter, Jordyn Adams; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Charla Jean Hudec; beloved wife, Carolyn; and his son-in-law, Jim Young. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 3:00PM at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, where friends and family may gather one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Harold's memory may be given to Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio, 44004 or Rabbit Run Theatre, PO BOX 235, Madison, Ohio, 44057 or Rabbit Run Community Arts Association. Online condolences and guestbook are available at www.ducro.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold, please visit our floral store.