An Unexpected Gift from Grandpa Hal

Harold Sherrick, affectionately known to many as “Grandpa Hal,” led a life marked by dedication to the United States, love for his family and an unwavering commitment to helping others, especially children.

Born in 1933 in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Hal enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18, serving with distinction for more than 20 years. His military career was decorated with numerous honors, including a Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.

After his military service, Hal pursued a career in the insurance industry and married his wife, Frances. They shared nearly 63 years of marriage, raising two children, Dina and Scott, and later becoming proud grandparents and great-grandparents — and even a neighborhood grandpa.

Simple Acts of Kindness

When Frances passed away in 2016, Hal found a new source of companionship and joy in the families and children in his neighborhood.

“After my mom died,” said his daughter Dina, “several young families moved into his neighborhood, which had previously been filled with people his age. He was looking for connection, and these families really embraced him.”

Over the years, Hal hosted ice cream socials and pizza parties for the families and their children. They would help him with chores, and he, in turn, would help however he could.

“They basically adopted him as ‘Grandpa Hal,’” Dina explained. “He spent several years with these families, watching the children grow. It gave him a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to the community.”

A Generous Legacy

Hal passed away in 2023, leaving a lifetime of honor, integrity and love behind. In his final years, Hal made sure his and Frances’ generosity would continue, leaving gifts in his will, including support for the neighborhood children’s educations and a $5,000 bequest to Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation.