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WHEREAS, Harold Akrie was born in Monticello, Georgia on May 14, 1926 and was forced to live in foster care and boy’s homes when he was just a young boy after the death of his parents; and,
WHEREAS, Harold overcame adversity and married his wife Dorothy on August 22, 1953 and were together for 60 years before her passing on July 16, 2010; and,
WHEREAS, Harold and Dorothy had four children: Joy, Terri, Francine and Gerald, and worked three jobs to build a home and life for his wife and new family in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Chartiers City; and,
WHEREAS, a job transfer moved the family to Florida, where Harold opened his home to overseas missionaries and pioneered the building of his former church which now boasts a membership of over 2,000 people, all while keeping their home in Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, after his retirement, Harold moved his lovely wife back to Chartiers City where it all began and they now enjoy 11 grandchildren: Christopher, Kandace and Mathew (to Joy Akrie), Harold and Loren (to Terri Akrie), Alicia, Nathaniel, Joel and Danielle (to Gerald and Carol Akrie), Martin and Alex (to Francine and Russell Martin) and almost 3 great-grandchildren: Hayley Cabbell, Lila Adams, and Vivian Gwen Adams, due in June; and,
WHEREAS, along with enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Harold Loves the Lord, currently teaches children reading skills at Pittsburgh Langley, is a mentor at Community of Grace AME Zion, where he has been the Trustee and Steward for over 16 years; and,
WHEREAS, Harold stays active by walking and golfing; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby congratulate Harold Akrie on his 90th birthday and commend him for his commitment to God and his family; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, May 14, 2016, to be “Harold Akrie Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.