Harry Granville Laird III died on September 30, 2021 at home with family by his side. He was 95 years old. Born and raised in Tyrone, PA, Harry graduated from Tyrone High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Army Air Force before the age of 18. After military discharge, Harry graduated from Penn State with a degree in engineering. (We are! Penn State!). In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, T. Madeline Engelman, known as “Maddy.” Harry and Maddy honeymooned on Cape Cod, not knowing it would be their home decades later.

Harry worked for several corporations, until he made his last career move, joining Polaroid Corporation in Boston in 1969. Starting as an industrial engineering manager, he advanced to Polaroid’s International Division allowing him and Maddy to travel throughout Europe until his retirement. Throughout his career, Harry was active in the professional society AIIE (American Institute of Industrial Engineers) and served in many leadership roles on a regional and national level. In 1977, he was elected a Fellow for his outstanding contributions to his profession.

Harry and Maddy lived and raised their family in four states (PA, NJ, NY, MA) but mostly in New Jersey and Massachusetts. At their retirement home in West Yarmouth, Harry followed Maddy’s lead and the two created Laird’s Garden Shop.

Harry enjoyed skiing, camping, live music, and building or remodeling just about anything—activities that he enthusiastically (and determinedly) shared with his growing family. An avid sports fan, he was mostly known for his devotion to Penn State Football. For many years he volunteered each summer for Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox taking donations at the gate. Throughout the year he could be seen delivering Meals on Wheels or helping at the Yarmouth Cultural Center.

Harry was blessed with a large family. His wife Maddy predeceased him in 2002. He is survived by his five children, Greg Laird and his wife Marti of Saratoga Springs, NY; Andy Laird and his wife Cynthia of West Yarmouth; Molly McMullen-Laird and her husband Quentin of Ann Arbor, MI; Eric Laird and his wife Diana of Boston and Christine Laird-Scherding and her husband John of Wellfleet, MA. He was grandfather to 11 grandchildren two of whom predeceased him: Helena McMullen (1993) and Christopher McMullen-Laird (2020). He also had four great-grandchildren, one of whom predeceased him: Sky Wilson (2019).

Graveside service will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Centerville, MA at 3 pm on Saturday, October 9, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to YD Red Sox, South Yarmouth; St. Pius School, South Yarmouth for sports; or The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth.

Very sorry for your loss, John & Irina

Andrew, Cynthia and family we are truly sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Harry rest in peace!