Harry Edward Ingram

Springfield -- Harry E. Ingram, 86, died peacefully on July 8, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. Harry, fondly known as “Pa,” was born on September 13, 1932 in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was the only child of Harry W. Ingram, Master Sergeant, and K. Edith Ingram. For most of his childhood, he resided in Riverside, CA. He learned to love animals and was a farmhand, eventually caring for a pony of his own. He also worked on the ranch for the owner of Rin Tin Tin, the famous dog celebrity. Living in the hot rod capital of the world, he developed a skill for drag-racing. Harry fought wildfires for the National Forest Service. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he gained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Through his education in the Air Force, he began specializing in electronics and eventually worked for the Navy nuclear program where he was instrumental in the development of the first nuclear submarine. He met his future wife, Virginia M. Misisco, while stationed at Westover AFB. They were married July 6, 1957 and spent 56 wonderful years together. He was the proud father of Kathleen and Daniel Ingram. After his military career, he worked for both General Electric and Combustion Engineering as a senior computer specialist and training instructor for nuclear power plants. He converted to Catholicism and became actively involved in St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Dwight Road, Springfield. He organized and led the St. Paul’s youth athletic association. He also coached CYO girls’ basketball, soccer, and softball. He had a key leadership role in welcoming the Vietnamese community to St. Paul’s Church, and helped plan and raise funds for the new church hall. An expert swimmer and lifeguard, he later became a repeat state champion and a national qualifier for the Senior Games. For over a decade, he competed as a champion whitewater and flat-water canoe racer, mainly with his son Dan. He also enjoyed bowling in local leagues and at the Senior Games. Harry “Pa” Ingram was a loving husband, companion, father, grandfather, and uncle. Coming from humble means and growing up in a multicultural community, he was embraced upon marriage by a large Italian family. His family, friends, and neighbors quickly learned how eager he was to lend a helping hand. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Virginia M. Ingram. He leaves behind his daughter, Kathleen Ingram and her partner Katherine Miller, of Richmond, VA, his son, Daniel Ingram and his partner Marie Holmes of Longmeadow, MA, and his companion, Diane Draper, of Springfield, MA. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Andrea Ingram, Dominique Ingram, Eric Holmes, Elizabeth Holmes, and Connor Holmes. In addition, he leaves many nieces, nephews, and other extended family, and his sister-in-law Ann Italiano of East Longmeadow, MA. Family and friends are invited to gather for the funeral mass, which will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 235 Dwight Road, Springfield on Friday, July 12, 2019 commencing at 10:00 AM. In addition, calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. A private burial ceremony will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 5127, Springfield, MA 01101, or Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105 (or make a tribute donation online at www.dakinhumane.org). To leave a message of personal condolence or for more information, please visit www.forastiere.com.