Harold “Hal” Drelinger, died peacefully in Florida.
June 15,1921– February 2, 2018
Hal was predeceased by his wife, Loretta (Ciarfella); his daughter, Rose Marie Hodgson; his siblings Arby and Pearl, and his good friend, Sarah Newton. He leaves his sons and daughters-in-law; Joe & Connie of Holden, Ed & Jeanne of Shrewsbury, and Bob & Cynthia of Worcester. He was the proud grandfather of eight and great grandfather of 11. Hal and Loretta were married for 66 years. They eloped in 1942 and never looked back. They later were married in church and again in the temple.
Hal was born in Worcester MA to Morris and Lena (Lavine) Dreilinger. He played drums and piano and was a member of the Musicians Union from an early age, travelling around performing in various venues until finally settling down with his new bride. He continued to play in clubs and weddings until retiring from music in 1986. He and Loretta returned to Worcester to raise their family but continued to travel often - very often.
Hal worked many jobs over his life. When he was younger, he used to demonstrate power tools in the store windows of Elwood Adams Hardware in downtown Worcester. Hal drove an earth mover on a construction job in Florida; and he and Loretta later managed movie theaters and drive-in theaters in Worcester and the surrounding suburbs - with the kids always close by. Hal worked many sales jobs ranging from cars sales to furniture sales. He worked for Chevalier Furniture for many years and later went for Prays furniture in Natick. He retired in 1986 from his last job as store manager for Young’s Furniture in Lynn MA.
Hal was completely blind for about a year after an accident when he was just 12 years old, at his grandfather’s gas station on Franklin St in Worcester. He later got some eyesight back, but remained legally blind for the rest of his life. However, being legally blind didn’t stop Hal from travelling or pursuing his career. Most people who came across Hal weren’t aware he had a vision problem, and that was the way he wanted it. He and Loretta spent their weekends in New Hampshire, and later in Maine. They also travelled to Florida nearly every winter.
Hal continued to travel after Loretta’s death. He became friends with Sarah Newton who was from Canada; and he went to Canada to visit her frequently. They both enjoyed a trip to Scotland and a couple of cruises.
Hal loved being picked up in the morning and going to work with his sons Ed and Joe, for their company Drelinger Decorating, every day. He often had conversations with Ed and Joe’s customers and even liked to play the piano if one happened to be at the job. He also continued to spend as much time in Florida as possible.
Hal loved people. He loved to talk and was a great listener. He could carry on conversations on any topic; he just loved the act of conversing and sharing stories with another person. If you knew Hal, then you know what we mean.
Funeral services are private.