Harry Duckworth Iii

Harry Arlington Duckworth III, 56, of Waverly, died Monday in Florida from injuries suffered in a mid-air collision while piloting his airplane. He is survived by his wife, the former Susan Craig.

Born Sept. 30, 1951, son of Harry Arlington Duckworth Jr., Williamsburg, Va., and the late Jane Campell, he was a graduate of Abington Heights High School, class of 1969. He was the president of Northeast Freight Transfer and Northeast Rail, performing services for intermodal operations for Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads. He was on the board of the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority and was instrumental in the creation of the PNRRA. Harry was highly respected in that industry. He also had a close working relationship with the state Department of Transportation in helping to finance innovative rail projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

He had a longtime involvement with the aviation community and held his private pilot's license, his multi-engine rating and his instrument certification. He had been flying since the age of 14 and was a member of the Schultzville Pilots Association.

He was an avid motorcycle rider and particularly enjoyed riding cross-country with his wife, Susan, and his friends. He consistently supported the BMW charity ride in California for the St. Francis Children's Hospital. Harry was well known for his generosity and compassion, his love of life and his sense of adventure. He always tried to be an inspiration to his family, friends and employees, and made sure he was available to talk, give advice or just listen. He dearly loved his family and got tremendous joy out of large family gatherings.

He was a beloved husband, best friend, soulmate and companion to the love of his life, his wife and co-pilot, Susan, and was a beloved father to all four of their children and two grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Also surviving are a son, Benjamin Duckworth, Scranton; three daughters, Sara Duckworth and Stacy Ossenfort, both of Waverly; and Brittany Smith, Daytona, Fla.; three brothers, Richard Duckworth, Waterbury Center, Vt.; Randy Duckworth, Clarks Summit; and James Duckworth, Waverly; a sister, Linda McAndrew, Dalton; two half-brothers, John and Matthew Duckworth; and two granddaughters, Samantha and Deja.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church, Grove Street and Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit, with services by the Rev. Judy Wanck, pastor, and the Rev. Jack Race. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Waverly.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity.