Harold Van Tassel Robertson's Obituary
Harold Robertson
Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Harold Robertson of McKinney, Texas, passed peacefully on November 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, integrity, and service. He was born on November 29, 1944, in Yonkers, New York, to Grace and Angus Robertson.
A resident of Richardson for over 40 years, Harold and his wife of 47 years, Janet (Jan) Robertson, raised their family of six children, all of whom graduated from Richardson High School. Family was always at the center of Harold’s life, and his pride in his children’s accomplishments reflected his devotion as a father and grandfather. Harold and Jan are proud members of Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas.
Harold had a lifelong love of sports, with golf being his greatest passion. He played the game throughout his life, finding joy both on the course and in the friendships it fostered. His dedication to golf was not only personal but also a way he gave back to his community, blending his love of the sport with his commitment to others.
After graduating from high school, Harold proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and sense of duty that would guide him throughout his life.
Harold retired from JCPenney Corporation on January 1, 2005, after an extraordinary 36½-year career in Information Technology. He began as a punch card programmer and rose to manage teams in financial systems, hardware evaluation, network security, and corporate communications infrastructure. His leadership helped shape the company’s technological evolution during pivotal decades.
Beyond his professional achievements, Harold was committed to helping others. For 15 years, he chaired the JCPenney Golf Committee, organizing biannual tournaments that brought colleagues together in camaraderie and competition. He lead the JCPenney/United Way Golf Tournament for seven years, raising over $650,000 for the Metroplex United Way—a testament to his generous spirit and tireless advocacy. He also volunteered with the Richardson Boys and Girls Club, where he chaired the Golf Committee for over five years, helping to expand the reach and success of its tournaments.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Angus Robertson of Yonkers, New York, and by his first wife, Georgeann Maio Robertson, the devoted mother of their children: George, Greg, and Jill.
He is survived by his loving wife Jan; his siblings: Grace Thiel and William Robertson, and his children Tom Preisser, Jerette Preisser, George Robertson, (wife Dee Anne), Greg Robertson (wife Venetia), Melinda Foster (husband Randy), Jill Richardson (husband David), Greg Robertson, Melinda Foster, Jill Richardson, and his 11 cherished grandchildren: Samantha and Stephanie Preisser, Blake and Cole Robertson, Reid and Reilly Robertson, Nathan and Jaden Foster, and Kaitlyn Levassar, Ella Cantu and Daxton Richardson. He is also remembered by extended family, friends, and former colleagues who will forever honor his warmth and wisdom.
Harold leaves behind a legacy defined by family, dedication, and service. He will be remembered for his quiet strength and his devotion to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the values he exemplified.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S Stonebridge Dr, McKinney, TX 75072.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice, non-profit Hugs Café in Downtown McKinney, or The Salvation Army, organizations that reflect Harold’s commitment to service and community.
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