Harold "Hal" Julius Trabbold Jr., passed away on March 4, 2023 at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newport News, Va., just two weeks after his 96 ^th birthday.  Prior to relocating to Newport News for health reasons he was a longtime resident of Townville, SC.

He was born on February 20, 1927 in Buffalo, NY to the late Harold Trabbold Sr. and Louise Trabbold (McNamee).

Hal enlisted in the US Navy in 1945.  Upon his honorable discharge he went on to pursue a successful career as a mechanical and design engineer.  His expertise in the field enabled him to design and patent an underwater cutting and gouging torch while employed at the Lancaster, OH based Arcair Company in 1977.  He also held engineering positions at Bell Helicopter Corp, Fort Worth, TX; Leybold-Heraeus Vacuum Systems, Enfield, CT; Combustion Engineering Inc, Windsor CT; National Automated Systems, Inc, Chicopee, MA; and Carolina Stick Corp, Anderson, SC.

He always enjoyed his time with family and friends and took great pleasure in spending time camping, photography, sightseeing and taking his boat out on the lake.

Additionally, he was a loyal member in Shriners International, serving in the Melha chapter of Massachusetts and, later, the Hejaz chapter of South Carolina where he received Hejaz Fireman's Unit Fireman of the Year in 2000 and also recognized with the Crown of Honor for heading a fundraising campaign for Shriners Hospital for Children, raising over $50,000 in 1992.

Left to cherish his memory is his son Richard Trabbold (Angela) of Newport News, VA; Eileen Trabbold (Nancy Schwamb) of Ocala, FL; Cindi Earwood (David) of Pendleton, SC; his grandchildren Richard Trabbold (Emily) of Las Vegas, NV; Jillian Barreras (Cesar); and his great grandson, Elias Barreras.

In respect to his wishes there will be no funeral service.  In lieu of flowers please donate to: Shriners Hospitals for Children

Cook Brothers Funeral Chapel, Newport News is in charge of arrangements.