Harold G. “Sonny ” Hall Jr. died peacefully in his home in Edgartown on August 24, 2015, at the age of 86.

Sonny was born on Dec. 31, 1928, in West Chester, Pa., to Harold and Grace Hall, and he graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1946, where he played soccer. Drafted at age 19, he was sent to Korea for two years with the 44th Engineering Bridge Construction Battalion. After being honorably discharged as a sergeant, he attended Villanova University on the G.I. Bill, graduating with a B.A. in accounting; he was the first of his family to go to college.

He married Claire Nickerson in 1956, whom he met when they were both in a Delaware wedding, he as an usher and she as a bridesmaid. They were married for 59 years.sonny-farewell

Sonny taught at Drexel University and worked as a C.P.A. at Arthur Andersen and Curtis Publishing in Philadelphia; Sigma Marketing in Rockville Center, N.Y.; and finally with his partner John Irwin at Irwin and Co. in Radnor, Pa.

He was an avid golfer, a member of St. David’s Golf Club in St. David’s, Pa., and the Edgartown Golf Club, where he was part of the notorious Nightcrawlers. His trips to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales were high points in his golfing career.

Sonny was an active member of Rotary in Ardmore, Pa., and upon retirement, he became the treasurer of the Martha’s Vineyard Boys’ and Girls’ Club, a position he held for 10-plus years. He enjoyed his volunteer work at the Edgartown Library, where he visited his many friends almost daily, reviewed the periodicals, and engaged in spirited political banter. It was the highlight of his day.

In his later years, he took up another voluntary post on his front porch as the “Mayor of Morse Street,” where he chatted with friends and neighbors, gave directions, and ensured that all was well in his corner of town. On his walks each day, he greeted his many friends and acquaintances around town. His smile could light up the day.

Sonny had a high regard for education and hard work, and was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He enjoyed watching their sports activities, and was a serious fan of the Villanova Wildcats basketball team as well as the Philadelphia Eagles. His memory was encyclopedic, and his recollections of his youth and Philly sports were prodigious.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Claire Nickerson Hall of Edgartown; his children, Stacy Elizabeth Hall of Edgartown; Howard Nickerson Hall of New Hope, Pa.; and Gregory Brown Hall, of Middletown, R.I.; his siblings, Saundra Rollason of Harrisburg and Samuel Greer of Downingtown, Pa.; and his grandchildren Katama Marie Martellucci and Zachary John St. Clair Martellucci of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Summer Alexis Hall and Caroline Browning Hall of Middletown, R.I.

His family remembers him as a man of great integrity, and he will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted in his name at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys’ and Girls’ Club and the Edgartown Library.

The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support, and Jessica Perry, who has been our rock.