HARRY CARVER ACHORN, JR., 96, of Weymouth, died peacefully at Queen Anne Nursing Home on Tuesday January 12. Born in Brookline, he grew up in West Newton, son of Harry C. Achorn, Sr. and Bernice Giles Achorn. A 1933 graduate of Rivers Country Day School, he became interested in flying at an early age, receiving his pilot’s license as a teen. Working his way up to Chief Pilot at Wiggins Airways in Norwood, he became an Instructor Pilot for the Army Air Corps during World War II. After graduating from Bryant & Stratton Business School, he worked for Globe Ticket Company, Boston, for 35 years. However, he retained his passion for flying by giving flying instructions and scenic rides at Norwood Airport on weekends for over 50 years.
He was a member of the Anciente and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen (QB) pilots group, for over 60 years, serving once as Key Man. He was also a member of the Atlantic Masonic Lodge in Quincy. Harry was the loving husband of the late Shirley (Carlson) Achorn whom he married in 1942. He is survived by his brother Robert of Fort Myers, FL; two daughters, Joan Sheehan and her husband, Shawn, of South Weymouth; Judy Crater and her husband Richard, of Beverly. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Christopher Sheehan of Randolph, David Sheehan of Hyde Park, Bradford Crater of Salem, Amanda Crater of New York City and Mark Nathan of Amherst, NY and two great grandchildren, Dylan and Sarah Nathan and, of course, his close friend, Beulah Bevins. We are grateful to the compassionate care given to Harry at the Queen Anne Nursing Home.
Visiting hours will be held at the C.C. Shepherd Funeral Home, 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) South Weymouth, on Friday, January 15 from 3 to 6 PM immediately followed by a memorial service at 6 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to Angel Flight NE, 492 Sutton Street, North Andover, MA 01845 (www.angelflightne.org). If you would like to leave a message for the family please go to www.ccshepherd.com.