Harry George Allsworth

Harry G. Allsworth led an extraordinary and full life. He traveled the world in career service to his country, mingled with golfing and football greats, and brought joy to many, many lives with his warmth and humor. He was not only accomplished and a joy to be around but a compassionate kind and humble man with a deep Catholic faith.

Harry was born on December 9, 1927 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania to parents Helen and Harry Allsworth. Upon graduating high school Harry served in the Army Air Corps as a member of 509^th Bomb Group which dropped the first atom bomb on August 6, 1945.

After two years of military service, he studied economics at St. Vincent College, attended and played football at Louisiana of Monroe and in 1951 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce Finance and Economics from Bucknell University. At Bucknell, he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and thereafter remained a loyal life time member. 

Following graduation, with the encouragement and support of his father, Harry applied and was hired by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA.)  He served in the CIA for 24 years until his retirement in 1975. His first assignment was in the Middle East where he was integral to setting up a base of operations to intercept Soviet communications and monitor Soviet missile bases. He was stationed in Iran during the turbulent unrest of the 1950s, and later was assigned to the Far East. Japan was his favorite place where he gained a special affection for the people and culture.

During his time with the CIA, he was selected to study at the Harvard Management School, U.S. Army Command School at Fort Belvoir, and the Armed Forces Staff College at Fort McNair in Virginia. During his career he was awarded the Inspector General Commendation, a CIA commendation for Superior Performance under extreme adverse conditions in Iran, and a career Intelligence Merit Award for his distinguished performance in duty.

Throughout his life he was an avid sportsman and fan with strongest affections for golf, football, and baseball. He was honored to play in the first Walt Disney Open Golf Tournament, paired with professional golfer Bobby Mitchell and placing fifth amongst the amateurs. He enjoyed a friendship with Arnold Palmer and many other sports luminaries in the Pittsburgh and Washington DC areas. 

In retirement, Harry enjoyed golf memberships at Westwood Country Club in Vienna Virginia, Ligonier Country Club and Greensburg Country Club where he served on the board. He was also a board member of Crippled Children and the Rehabilitation and Workshop Center. He was a devoted follower of Notre Dame football, season ticket holder to the NFL Washington Commanders, and a devoted fan to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Harry will be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit and an outgoing nature that gained him friendships from walks of life all over the world. He was quick to make friends in all settings, be it a sports event or a restaurant where he would be on a first-name basis with patrons, waiters, and bartenders within minutes.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Joyce Holway, a Navy commander who accompanied Harry in his overseas life before succumbing to cancer in 1977.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Diane; numerous loving and supportive nephews and nieces; and many dear friends.

Harry’s family would like to thank the staff of St. Anne Home, Promedica Health and Hospice Services for providing excellent care of Harry. A special thanks to Dr. Thomas DeGregory for his help as a friend and physician.

A funeral mass for Harry will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 in St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 2538 Route 119, Crabtree, PA. Interment will be private.

For the wonderful care of Harry and his mother, during times of illness and rehabilitation, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Anne Home Benevolent Care Fund, 685 Angela Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601. For online condolences, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.