Harold C. Lloyd, Jr.

Col. Harold “Harry” C. Lloyd, Jr., of Venice, Florida, passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on July 16, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Venice in 2011 from Toms River, New Jersey.

Harold proudly served as a Colonel in the United States Air Force for 32 years and 9 months, from 1961 to 1993, serving both active and reserve duty in Vietnam and Desert Storm. He also enjoyed a distinguished career as a Captain with United Airlines for 30 years and 4 months, from 1968 to 1998.

He was a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Retired United Pilots Association (RUPA), and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

Harold fell in love with his wife, Jane, at first sight. The two married the weekend after graduating from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont, in 1961. Their remarkable marriage spanned 65 wonderful years. Harold and Jane’s greatest pride and joy are their three children, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

A graduate of the Air Force ROTC program, Harold was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and began pursuing his passion for flying during pilot training at Craig Air Force Base in Alabama. His 32-year military career in active duty and Air Force Reserves took him around the world, and he ultimately retired with the rank of Colonel. In addition to his military service, Harold also served as a Captain with United Airlines for more than 30 years, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow pilots and flight crews.

An avid storyteller, Harold loved sharing tales of his flying adventures and, above all, stories about his family. He was also known for his collection of “dad” jokes, which occasionally brought eye rolls and groans but were always enjoyed by those who loved him. He rarely went anywhere without his camera and often entertained family gatherings with slideshows of treasured memories.

Before entering the Air Force, Harold worked as a schoolteacher. Throughout his life, he led by example, sharing his strong religious faith, morals, and values. He taught his family not only through his words but also through his actions, especially the importance of facing life's unexpected challenges with strength, faith, and perseverance.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jane R. Lloyd; daughter, Debbie Lloyd; two sons, Harry (Janine) Lloyd and Chris Lloyd; brother, John (Pat) Lloyd; four grandchildren, Samantha Lloyd, Ryan Lloyd, Janie (Brenden) Drummond, and Natanielle Lloyd; one great-granddaughter, Leilah Donovan; and cousin, Barbara (John) Spengler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Miriam Lloyd, and his parents-in-law, Vernis and Sara Williams.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Venice on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM. A committal service with full military honors will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery at 12:30 PM.

Perhaps there is no better way to describe Harold's life than through the words of John Gillespie Magee, Jr., in High Flight, a poem that seems almost written for a man like Harold: “Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth…”

Now, after a lifetime of flying, teaching, serving, storytelling, and loving, he has flown west for the last time. Dad spent his life reaching for the sky. His earthly logbook is closed, and he soars in the heavens above us.

We love you, Dad. Fly safe.....