Harold Leidy Barndt

Harold Leidy Barndt, age 90, passed away on October 13, 2022 in Stewart Health Center, Springmoor, Raleigh NC.

Harold was born on August 4, 1932 in Telford, Pennsylvania to Paul and Marian Barndt. Harold’s parents came from hard-working Pennsylvania Dutch families with centuries old roots in Bucks and Montgomery counties, most of whom lived within 2 miles of each other, thus family was foundational. He was baptized and confirmed at Little Zion Lutheran Church. Harold was a Boy Scout starting at age 12, attained the rank of Star Scout and attended the National Scouting Jamboree in nearby Valley Forge Park in 1950. During his youth, Harold spent significant time with his paternal grandparents, both of whom had significant influence on him. He worked with his

Grandfather in the fields growing vegetables and preparing chickens as well as other food items to be sold from his truck to customers in Philadelphia. From an early age Harold worked summers and on Saturdays at the local grocery store stocking shelves and at an automobile dealership, even finding time to trap muskrats to sell.

Harold graduated in 1950 from Souderton High School. He attended Pierce Business School in Philadelphia and graduated in 1951. He was drafted and served in the Army for 2 years in Korea, then started at Drexel University as a 23-year old freshman and graduated in 1959 with a BS in Business Administration. After marrying Dolores Ann Jacoby in 1958, he continued his education at Drexel, pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration at night while working full time at IBM, graduating in 1963.

Harold’s career with IBM spanned over 40 years starting in Philadelphia, including a move to Tidewater Virginia for 2 years, and then to Raleigh. He had various positions and experiences with IBM as the company evolved, but most of his roles were focused on design and installation of computer systems to support wholesale and retailing industry sectors of business.

After retiring in 1992 from IBM, he took some time off, and began a fulfilling position working seasonally as a tax preparer for Alex Guess, CPA and for almost 20 years enjoyed being a part of a growing firm. In retirement, Harold enjoyed planning trips and traveling with Dolores throughout the USA and abroad, seeing the vast and varied world and experiencing history, different people and cultures firsthand. He enjoyed family summer vacations at the beach and always had a garden wherever he lived, taking satisfaction in growing vegetables. Harold stayed connected to his relatives and friends in Pennsylvania by visiting frequently throughout his life. He also enjoyed building beautiful furniture items from kits with his extra time.

Harold was a meticulous planner and a hard worker who had high standards for himself and those around him. He always managed his finances and investments with a steady approach. He valued education, truthfulness, loyalty, integrity and held strong opinions which were always backed by research and analysis. Productivity, accuracy, order and neatness were important to Harold as well. He appreciated the arts and culture and supported the NC Museum of Art, NC Symphony, Raleigh Little Theater, Friends of the College, and the Raleigh Boychoir. Harold was a member of Capital City Kiwanis Club, Post 1 American Legion, Lambda Chi Alpha, NC Lutheran Men, Triangle Sailing Association, and the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America. Harold’s involvement as an adult in Scouting was extensive which included Assistant Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, District Committee Member and Chairman, Council Executive Board, Council Executive Committee, Council Vice President for Administration and Council Endowment Chairman. He was the proud father or grandfather of 3 Eagle Scouts, and recipient of the Silver Beaver award. Harold always felt a strong sense of responsibility for being a husband and father, and his family was precious, his reason for existing.

As a result of a stroke 5 years ago, Harold lost some mobility and independence, but as the ongoing effects of Parkinson’s became more pronounced, his quality of life diminished, yet he never complained. For the past several years the care and dedication of Marcy Spruill was integral to his well-being.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife Dolores of 64 years, daughter Vanessa Davison and husband Jeffrey of Raleigh, son Douglas Barndt and wife Annette of Arvada, CO, daughter Maria Barndt of Raleigh, son Geoffrey Barndt of Alexander, NC and sister, Elaine Sedgwick, of Valencia, CA. Harold was called Pop-Pop by his 3 grandchildren: Henrik, Karsten and Anya Barndt, all of CO.

Visitation at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh on Sunday, October 23, 3:00 – 5:00pm. A memorial service to honor Harold’s life will be held on October 24, 2022 at 10:30am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh with inurnment at 3:00pm at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Boy Scouts of America, Occoneechee Council, 3231 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh 27604, Springmoor Endowment Fund, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh 27615, or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, 27613.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com