HAROLD JOSEPH MACK, JR.

Reflections of a Husband, Father, Brother and Grandfather

MR. HAROLD JOSEPH MACK, JR was born on August 5th, 1942 to Harold Joseph Mack Sr, and Grace Balasco Mack in Mobile, AL.  Affectionately called “Bubba” by his family, he was the second of four children born to this union. The family moved to Detroit, MI in 1954, where he attended St. Theresa’s Catholic School, and graduated from there in 1960.  Not one to let grass grow under his feet, he decided to join the United States Navy that same year.

During his tenure in the Navy, Harold was stationed in San Diego, CA aboard the USS Hopewell.  As fate would have it, that duty station led him to meet the love of his life, the beautiful Beulah Joyce Watkins, whose last name was soon to be Mack.  They were married on September 21, 1963, and moved back to Detroit, MI in August of 1964, where he gained employment with Michigan Bell as a Splicing Technician.  They stayed in Detroit for seven years, and in August of 1971 when there was the opportunity to transfer back to San Diego, they decided to move in order to be closer to Joyce’s family and start one of their own. Harold was employed with Pacific Bell for 32 years where he excelled in his position and eventually became the local union representative in San Diego for the Home Avenue Station. He retired as a private contractor, and he and Joyce moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1999.  There he acquired a post-retirement position with Veolia Transportation Services as a Driver until his final retirement in 2014.  

Harold had many hobbies, but those who knew him knew one of his favorites was those slot machines and them (sic) dice! He could be found in Vegas, Laughlin or at any local casino with his wife and daughter always in tow.  He found his greatest joy in cooking, and whenever anyone requested one of his expertly baked goods or signature dishes, he made it his personal mission to prepare them. What Harold was most proud of, and absolutely cherished, was his family.  Without fail, he was present for every gathering, special event and holiday. His grandchildren were the twinkle in his eyes, and he was a significant presence in their lives.

On Monday, August 17th, 2020 at 10:15 pm, Harold gained his Heavenly wings and left this life for eternal peace. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his younger brother Theodore Mack.  He leaves to cherish his everlasting memory, his wife Joyce; his daughter Angela Badger (Antwine) of Avondale, AZ; his son Harold Joseph Mack III (Carmen) of San Diego, CA; grandchildren Harold Joseph IV, Caryssa and Grace Mack of San Diego, CA and Markel Santiago of Spring Hill, FL; his brother Andrew Mack (Mary Ann) of San Diego, CA; sister Cynthia Turner of Macomb, MI; his dearly loved nieces and nephews whom he felt were more like his own children, Erika Gentry (Hollis IV) and Andrew Mack, Jr of San Diego, CA; Erin White (Kofi) of Goodyear, AZ; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, to treasure his memory.

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