Harold 'BO" Alston

Harold “Bo” Alston was the sixth of ten children born to Walter Ceasar & Julia Mary Lyon Alston on April 6, 1939. He was born on the Strickland Farm, Nash County, NC. As a child, Harold attended the family church, St. John Baptist in Red Oak, NC. Harold attended Spaulding School in Spring Hope, NC. His education was interrupted when he assumed the responsibility of assisting Mama on the farm until the family moved to Spring Hope, NC. In the early 60’s Harold migrated to New Jersey joining his other siblings. He was soon employed as a plant nursery technician where he impressed management with his farming skills and agricultural cultivation knowledge. He later joined the Bergen County Department of Public Works where he quickly rose to Foreman level and later retired as a Road Inspector. In September 1964, he married Clara Marie Risper, also a North Carolina native who had recently migrated to New Jersey. They became lifetime residents of Hackensack. Through this union they became proud parents of a baby girl, Cathy, born December 15, 1966. They also raised a special niece as their daughter, Stephanie Percell Robinson (Stevie). Clara preceded him in death on August 19, 2001. Harold and Clara were faithful charter members of Trinity Baptist Church, founded in 1970. He was known by many in the neighborhood for his meticulous lawn, trimmed trees, infectious smile, and personality. The neighbors loved him. He was affectionately called the unofficial Mayor of Hackensack. Bo and Clara enjoyed bowling with a league and playing cards with friends. Harold loved old gospel music and the blues, working on cars, collecting antiques, and watching METV. This country boy loved to eat sweet potatoes, North Carolina block cheese and bananas all day, every day. Harold was a self-taught guitar player with a great sense of humor. He learned how to play guitar by watching his father, “Deddy” who played by ear. Harold said “Deddy” could pick that guitar apart playing, Nearer, My God to Thee. His favorite blues singer, and guitarist was Howlin’ Wolf. Harold was a simple man that enjoyed the simple things. Harold’s love of music during the early 60’s led to his playing in a quartet that performed at the famed Apollo Theatre. In the late 90’s he truly enjoyed retired life! He was a good old, hard-working country boy, until his health began to decline in 2010. He shared many stories about growing up and working on the farm in North Carolina. He often joked about the time when Mama kicked him in his behind while pushing the plow. When asked why? His reply with a smile, “I don’t know, she just did it “. Bo had a great sense of humor. He was a very proud and attentive grandfather to Jarrod Jr, Schuylar and Olivia. His newest bundle of joy that put a smile on his face is his great grandson, Jeremiah. He was affectionately called “Papa”, who loved buying his grandchildren their birthday cakes, which is where the running joke “Papa brought the cake!” originated from. Uncle Bo had a very close relationship with his niece, Joan, who often cooked him delicious meals including his favorites; chicken dumplings and white beans. Harold is predeceased in death by his parents, Walter C Alston and Julia Mary Lyon Alston; his siblings twin, Herlie (Garfield) McDonald, Arbutus (Dunbar) Hilliard, Lessie Mae Eason, Lonia Belle Abbott and Celious (Carrie) (Grace) Alston. In the evening hours of April 24, 2023, at 10:17 pm. Harold earned his wings. He leaves to cherish his memories: two daughters; Cathy Alston Porcher and Stephanie Robinson, Son- in-laws; Jarrod Porcher all from Hackensack, New Jersey, and Richard Robinson Jr of South Carolina. His beloved siblings; Pargellan McCall, Walter Alston (Selma), William Alston, Julia Dyanne Jackson (Steve), and brother-in-law, Frank Abbot Sr. Nieces; Cardrienne McDonald Sarin (Rikky), Edglisia McDonald, Joan Williams (Fred), Kristall Calderon (Martin), Jacquie Parham (Dash), Terry Hester, Julia Mary-Ellen Mboya- McCall, Andrea Roberts (Les) , Faith Abbott, April Abbott, Kortni Alston (Ken Lemon), Joy Jackson, Stella Price (Russell), Joyce Hilliard-Clark, Arniece Bowen (Linwood), Wanda Chatman (Leonard) , Cynthia White-Moore (Tracy). Nephews; Garfield McDonald Jr., Harry Eason, Walter McCall (Jackie), Frank Abbott Jr. (Deidra), William Alston, Chris Hilliard (Ingrid), Avery Hilliard (Betty), Kobie Jackson (Ashley), Ricky Sawyer (Robin) and Terrance White, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. A special thanks to caretaker Daisey Navarrete- Calderon’ for her kind and gentle manner with which she treated our father.

Tributes

Harold 'BO" Alston

April 6, 2023 - April 24, 2023