Obituaries

Harlod Byers

December 7, 1944 - June 27, 2016

Burial Date July 2, 2016

Harold L. Byers, 71, of New London, died Monday, June 27, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Harold was born in Norfolk, Va., on Dec 7, 1944, the son of Elizabeth Rae and Harry Lee Byers, and was the husband of Carol Ann Civitelli-Byers.

Harold graduated from CONN College with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and received his M.S.W. from UCONN. His career extended over many years working in southeastern Conn. social service agencies. His specialty was working with teenagers. He inspired them to “make a difference” and his encouragement reaped accomplishments and aspirations among them to make the world a better place for all.

In 1979, while working at Waterford Country School, Harold met his future wife, Carol Ann, as well as their friend Julie, with whom they who would share 37 years of friendship. In 1988, Harold and Carol were married. He and Carol opened their hearts and home to many children through the Waterford Country School’s Foster Care Program. They did so for 22 years.

Harold was a devoted and dedicated member of Shiloh Baptist Church where he served as an adult Sunday school teacher and was involved in outreach and music ministries. He was recognized as a certified Sunday school instructor by the National Baptist Convention, USA INC. Harold was a very compassionate man who offered not only inspiration and kindness, but his knowledge of the Holy Scripture to his Shiloh family and many others.

Harold was an avid reader and loved going to the library frequently. E books were not for him! He enjoyed studying a variety of topics, but his desire for scripture and religion was his first love.

Harold served as an SP5 in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1971.

Harold leaves behind his wife, Carol Ann Civitelli-Byers; sons, Richard Byers of New York, Gordon Byers of Maryland, Tyler Snowden (Megan) of North Branford, Miles-Frazier Nevers of New Haven; and his daughter, Kathianna Celestin of New London. He also leaves behind many children who he took under his wing, Dylan, Holly, Amanda, Mark, and Pedro to name just a few. He will be greatly missed by his loving sister and best friend, Coneita (Roy) Hicks of North Carolina; and his nephew and travel buddy, Patrice Thomas, who made Harold’s last wish of visiting North Carolina a reality come true just a few weeks ago. Harold also leaves behind granddaughter, Brianna Byers; and grandsons, Elijah Byers, Leighton Snowden and Jaxon Snowden. Harold was respectfully called “Unc ” by his nephews and nieces, Yolanda, Michael, Cornelius, Jolanda, Nancy and Matthew. He also leaves behind several great-nieces and nephews; and daughters-in-law, Artice Burnside and Natasha Walker.

Harold was predeceased by his father, Harry Byers; mother, Elizabeth Wongus; step-father, Harry Wongus; sister, Jacqueline Thomas Heath; and niece, Willette “Peach” Heath.

Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, where a celebration service will follow at 10 a.m., at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Garvin Ave., New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harold’s memory to The Waterford Country School, 78 Huntsbrook Road, Waterford, CT 06385.

Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home has been entrusted with his care.