Harold James Datta

WINONAHarold James Datta, born January 19, 1926 and died July 10, 2014. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Ann Datta, and his four children, Christopher (Debra) Datta of Washington, D.C., Stephanie (John Jr.) Ayoub of Winona, Jonathan (Lori) Datta of Winona and Matthew (Susan) Datta of Centreville, VA. Also survived by his brother Robert (Elaine) Datta of Winona and his sisters Maxine Speltz of Winona and Janice Vose of Winona; grandchildren, John Ayoub III, Stephen (Lucy) Ayoub, Jennifer (David) Kaisken, Magdalen (Dave) Stevenson, Antoinette (Ryan) Long, Abu Datta, Samuel Datta, Joshua (Jennifer) Datta, Christopher Datta, and William Datta; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Ashley, Garrett, Etinne, Sebastian, Zander, Jackson, and Samantha. He is preceded in death by his sister, Viola Turner, and his parents, Vincent and Esther Datta.In his 88 years Harold saw and did much, most of it dedicated to the service of his country. He was 17 when he joined the army to fight in World War II, so young his mother had to sign a waiver allowing him to enlist. He was training for the invasion of Japan when the war ended, an invasion expected to result in enormous casualties on both sides; but, as always, he stood ready to do his part for his country no matter the cost. He later joined the United States Agency for International Development and he spent the rest of his working life serving the United States overseas doing his best to lift people in foreign societies out of crushing poverty. He always believed it was the generosity of the American people, their willingness to reach out to others to help those in need, that has most honorably distinguished the spirit of America. He was the human face of the American people overseas, working tirelessly on behalf of others. A dedicated public servant, he did his best for his country, working to try to add something, no matter how small, to its great heritage and to the future generations of Americans who will follow him. His commitment and compassion were an inspiration to his children. Harold volunteered in many Winona charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society, The American Red Cross, the YMCA and the Winona Historical Society. He enjoyed singing, and participated for many years as a member of a barbershop group, often performing in parades and for the elderly. Always fast with a joke, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends fishing, picnicking at Lake Winona and traveling.Today, Harold Datta, veteran, public servant, and loving husband and father, leaves us to join his veteran brothers who have gone before him. He leaves a family who will miss him, proud of who he was and what he accomplished.Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or National Parkinson Foundation.Memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with visitation one hour prior. Private family graveside services will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery with full military honors provided by the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post #9.Please share a memory of Harold with the family and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.