Bro. Hal Sargent Passes
Harold Henry Sargent Jr., formerly of Groton and Dunstable, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Tyngsborough on Thursday, August 12th, 2021. He was born in Ayer, Massachusetts on May 23rd, 1951, son of the late Harold Henry Sargent Sr. and Marylouise (Perry) Sargent. Hal graduated from Groton High in 1969. He then attended and graduated from Mass College of Pharmacy in 1974, where he was a member of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. As a pharmacist, Hal started his career working at Theatre Pharmacy in Lexington, MA. He went on to work at Harvard Pharmacy for 11 years before opening Sargent Pharmacy in Groton. He would serve Groton and the surrounding communities for over 10 years before closing the store to work for Davidson Pharmacy in Bedford, MA. After the closing of Davidson Pharmacy, Hal continued in Bedford at Stop & Shop Pharmacy until 2020 when he finally made the decision to retire.
Hal served as a member of both the Groton and Dunstable Fire Departments.
Hal was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the distinct honor of Eagle Scout. He then went on to serve Troop 3 in Groton as Scoutmaster.
Hal was also an active member of DeMolay.
Hal continued his love for charitable work by joining the Fraternal Order of Freemasonry. He was raised by the Frank W. Thompson Lodge of Bedford, MA in 2002 where he held many titles until he became Master serving 2006-2007 and again in 2012-2013. While continuing his work with the Frank W. Thompson Lodge, Hal was raised by the Caleb Butler Lodge of Ayer, MA in 2007. He would go on to serve the lodge in various positions, becoming Master, serving 2010-2011. In 2012 Hal joined and was raised by yet another lodge, the Washington Lodge of Lexington, MA. Hal enjoyed holding many offices in the various lodges, serving as Master of the Washington Lodge in 2015-2016. In 2020 Hal became a member of a 4th lodge, the Joseph Warren-Soley Lodge of Lincoln, MA.
During Hal's lengthy career as a Freemason he achieved and was awarded many honors. Hal was Past Master of the Lodge of Instruction, Past District Officer, Masonic Ambassador 2010-2018, a Grand Lodge Officer, a member of York Rite, Boston Commandery, Scottish Rite, Consistory Guard and Liaison for the Bedford Boy Scout Troop 114. Hal was the recipient of the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal in 2012, the second-highest honor conferred by the Grand Lodge, and the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award in 2011, an honor presented to members of the Masonic Lodge who act as role models and provide dedicated service to the young men in the Boy Scouts of America.
Hal was always very active with the various lodges, organizing CHIP events, blood drives, the Bedford Day Parade Awareness Booth and the Frank W. Thompson Scholarship Fund.
Hal married Cheryl Ann Goodwin of Groton in 1979 and moved to Dunstable where they raised their 3 sons. Hal was active in his son's love of hockey, serving on the Groton Youth Hockey board. Hal was always up for an adventure, whether his family putting him up in a hot air balloon, releasing him from a tow plane in a glider or being thrown into a river while white water rafting. Hal had a love for nice cars, "Beamers". He even went on an Extreme Experience driving high performance cars on a winding road course in Palmer, MA. Hal loved his New England sports teams, even continuing to root for Tom Brady when he left the Patriots in 2020. We will miss him stopping by to help us cheer them on. Hal enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone.
Hal is survived by his three sons; Nathan Robert Sargent of New Ipswich, NH, Shaughn Michael Sargent of East Windsor, CT, and Leighton Andrew Sargent and his fiancée, Katey Lee Bennett of Townsend, MA. His former wife and dearest friend, Cheryl Ann Sargent and her partner, Robert "Kuku" Kukulski of Dunstable, MA. His sisters; Pamela Spinney of Vermont and Donna Sargent of Illinois. His brothers; Dana Sargent and his wife Nancy of New Hampshire and Richard Sargent of Maine. He will be deeply missed by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.