Harold Frank Florea, a longtime resident of the Skagit Valley, peacefully passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born January 18, 1933, in Giltner, Nebraska, to Frank and Irene Florea.  In 1938 his family moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho where he graduated from high school in 1951.  Harold enlisted in the U S Navy in May of 1952 where he served our country until his retirement June 22, 1974 as a Master Chief Petty Officer.

In 1955, while stationed at Whidbey Island NAS, he met Freida J Saunders of Mount Vernon. They were married May 24, 1957 in Sedro Woolley.  Harold and Freida had two daughters, Marjorie Ann and Maurean Shea.  The family spent time stationed in Kingsville Texas, Alameda California, and Lemoore California.  In 1972, Harold received military orders taking him back to Whidbey Island where he spent the remaining two years of his military career.  Shortly after his retirement, Harold went to work for Packard Tractor that eventually became Pape Machinery, a sales and service dealer of John Deere industrial equipment.  He retired in 2000, leaving a job and company he thoroughly enjoyed.

Harold and Freida enjoyed supporting their daughters in sports, and FFA and 4H activities. He particularly enjoyed helping the Mount Vernon High School FFA at county fairs and local livestock shows.

In 2004, Harold and Freida moved to their current home on the river bank, where Harold cherished his time fishing, as well as tending to his vegetable gardens and numerous flower beds and planters. He loved to bake peanut butter cookies using his own special recipe.  His other specialty was making fudge, which he was always happy to share with family and friends.

Harold was treasured by his family and all who met him. He was a mentor and role model to many, particularly to his grandchildren.  Harold's greatest joy was spending time with his family, friends, and animals.  He loved watching the Seahawks, Mariners, and Huskies.  This love of sports has been passed down to his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He was always proud of his family.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Bill, Jerry, Sonny, and Richard Florea; his sisters Gladys Cook, Lenora Tucker, and Fern Guthrie; his nephew Mike Smith; and his niece Diane Smith. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Freida; their daughter and her husband, Marjorie and Dave Goedecke, and daughter Maurean Florea and her partner, Christopher Squires; by grandchildren, Justin Nelson and his wife Brittany, Kendall Nelson, and Michael Goedecke; his great-grandchildren, Jimmy Ervin, Jenaeja Ervin, Jaliyah Ervin, Siena Nelson, Daenerys Fernandez, and Matthew Nelson; by his sister Evelyn Stanczak; by his brothers, Tom and Robert Florea; by numerous nieces and nephews who he truly loved; and the family's dear friend, Betty Hoffman.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at the family home in Birdsview on August 12, 2017 at 1pm.

Instead of flowers, contributions in Harold's memory may be made to the Washington/Alaska chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at donate.lls.org or 5601 6th Ave S, Ste. 182, Seattle, WA  98108, or to a charity of your choosing.