Harry Albert Templeton Jr

Harry Albert Templeton Jr. of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, passed away on March 7, 2026, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Born on January 22, 1937, to the late Marion (Brierley) Templeton and the late Harry Albert Templeton Sr., he was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Audrey (Berry) Templeton.

Harry graduated from Pawtucket West High School in 1955 and earned his bachelor’s degree cum laude from Roger Williams College in 1972 while attending classes at night. He began his career at Blackstone Valley Gas & Electric as a stockman’s helper and advanced through various roles in maps and records, pole and service installation, and sales. He retired in 1997 as Director of Consumer Services. A dedicated member and past president of the Electric League of Rhode Island and a member of the Electric Council of New England, he also served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary as Training Officer of Flotilla 802.

Deeply committed to his community, Harry was a member of Jenks Lodge No. 24 F & AM, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Palestine Temple AAONMS, and the Grand Order of the Swords of Bunker Hill. He served as past president of the Lions Club of Pawtucket and on the boards of the Salvation Army of Pawtucket and the To Kalon Club. He found special meaning in his work with children as a Scout Master and through the Rhode Island Salt Water Anglers Association, where he helped organize the annual Take a Kid Fishing Day. In retirement, he enjoyed fishing at Lincoln Woods and Narrow River, mating on his son’s charter boat Restless, and quahogging in Potter Pond.

An accomplished woodcarver, Harry created intricate wall hangings and sculptures, later focusing on smaller pieces such as animals, figurines, trees, and Christmas ornaments so he could share them more widely. After open heart surgery, he taught himself origami and delighted in giving handmade pieces to nearly everyone he met. In his later years he took up the ukulele with characteristic dedication, owning three instruments for different settings, performing with the Rhode Island Strummers of Lincoln and the IBBT Group, and teaching his grandsons to play. He and his beloved wife Audrey shared many happy years dancing, square dancing, and traveling together.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Foisy and her husband Stephen of Seekonk, Massachusetts; his son, Richard Templeton and his wife Jennifer of Wakefield, Rhode Island; four grandchildren, Lauren Foisy and her husband James Rengstl of Pelham, New York, Evan Foisy and his wife Cherilyn of Medford, New York, Kyle Templeton and Corey Templeton, both of Wakefield; three great-grandchildren, Grayson Rengstl, Maren Rengstl, and Calvin Foisy; and his sister, Marcia Pepperd of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.