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Harold Seeley, Jr.
Grove Friend for 35 Years
10/17/1939 - 01/07/2012
The Cherry Grove Community Association announces the loss of a true Cherry Grove champion and friend, particularly of the Community House theater and of Cherry Grove history. Harold Seeley, the Cherry Grove Archivist, Bishop, and Arts Project show set designer for many years, died at Calvary Hospital in Brooklyn on Saturday, January 7, 2012. He was 72 and lived in Brooklyn. The cause was liver cancer.
In 2011, Harold celebrated 35 consecutive years as a Grove volunteer and perhaps his greatest accomplishment was to single-handedly create and maintain a Cherry Grove Archive Collection for over 30 years. Without his tireless efforts much of our Grove history in show playbills, pictures, house signs, art, and articles would be lost; and with his passing we no longer have access to the verbal history that was stored in his encyclopedic mind. As much as he understood the need to preserve our history, Harold, however, was first to admit that his true love was the community theater. Harold conceived and executed 45+ Arts Project show sets over the years, usually created from his vast personal holdings of ribbons, trimmings and props and almost always at his own expense. He saved everything decor-related, was a true recycler and always kept at least 3 or 4 future uses in mind for any particular item used in a show. Another great contribution came in 1993 when Harold executed the elaborate gold leaf proscenium for the theater that he created from piles of seashells and pieces of past show props and costumes.
Harold was also our very own Cherry Grove Bishop for over 30 years and his innumerable contributions of time and talent to the Community Association, Arts Project, Memorial Fund, Property Owners and many other Grove causes cannot be overstated. We mourn the loss of a very talented and generous man. Wake services will be held January 9th and 10th at De Riso Funeral Home, 5012 4th Avenue in Brooklyn. Viewing hours are from 4pm to 9pm both days. Telephone: 718-439-6169.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael Church, 43rd Street and 4th Avenue in Brooklyn on Wednesday, January 11th, at 10am. All are welcome.
In addition, the Arts Project will host "A Community Celebration & Benefit - Honoring the Legacy of Harold Seeley and His Contributions to Cherry Grove" on Saturday, June 9th, 2012. Details to be announced.
Published online by the Cherry Grove Community Association
[Great-great-grandson of SGS # 2905 – Harold I. Jr.; Harold I.; Charles Dennis; Alonzo M.; Orris (# 2905); Lemuel Jr. (#1180); Lemuel; Gideon; Joseph; John; Nathaniel; Robert]
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