Harold Joseph Boutin

Harold Joseph Boutin passed away Tuesday afternoon May 27, 2025

Harold was born to Marie Cybulski and Harold Boutin in Detroit on the 4th of July in 1929 at the begining of the Great Depression which shaped his life.

Seeing his father lose his career as a stockbroker, then working to become a Detroit Police officer engraved in Harold a determination to find a life that provided a stable and financial security for his family.

His ingenuity was seen from childhood where he bought himself a small printing press and started a completely ad supported, free local newspaper. Eventually his consistent adedemic achievements earned him a full scholarship to the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering.

Then, on March 5, 1948, during his first year at school his father died unexpectedly at the age of 40. His grief nearly caused him to leave school to help his family during this tremendous loss, but his Mom insisted that he graduate. Harold’s aunt and uncle stepped in to help his mom sell their house and buy a duplex so she could rent out half of it to cover the mortgage.

"Hal" received his BS in Engineering in 1951 from U of M and one year later completed his MBA. After graduation, he served as a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force Reserve. Upon completing his deployment, he then took a job in the private sector turning into a 35-year career in Detroit, Michigan with the J.L. Hudson department store company.

While at Hudson's, he showed his engineering and leadership skills, continuously bringing innovative technology to the business. Eventually he moved up the ranks and retired there as Director of Personnel in 1991.

During his tenure at Hudson's he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Caputo. They married September 10, 1955 in Detroit showing their love of their company, even having their wedding cake made at the J.L. Hudson bakery!

Harold and Mary Ann had four children: Kathy, Bob, Janet and Joanne, and eventually welcomed nine grandchildren. They were married 52 years, and got to enjoy 17 years together in the home they built in Asheville, North Carolina after Harold retired.

During retirement he began a prolific photography hobby, photographing his love of nature and capturing the joy of family gatherings. Being a University of Michigan alumnus, he was a life-long Wolverines fan, and would try to watch every televised basketball and football game.

His greatest joy was spending time with family. Being able to be supportive for major life celebrations and even just spend time with them on his back porch.

In 2008, he lost his beloved wife, Mary Ann but continued to hone his skills in photography, enjoyed pursuing the art and science of cooking, and engineered innovative adaptations to his home allowing him to continue staying there into his 90's.

He was predeceased by his parents Harold Joseph Boutin and Marie Theresa Cybulski, wife Mary Ann, son Robert James Boutin, brother Richard Arthur Boutin, and sister Carol Joy (Boutin) McGuckin

He will be greatly missed by his daughters and their husbands and partners: Kathleen Ann Boutin-Pasterz (Peter Pasterz), Janet Marie (Boutin) Parrelly (Dean Handy) and Joanne Lynn (Boutin) Moss (Roger); his grandchildren: Anna Boutin (Pasterz) Bryan (Kyle), Nicole Catherine (Boutin) Graney (Ryan), Mark Robert Boutin, Elise Marie Boutin, Ashlee Marie Parrelly, Derek Anthony Parrelly (Kelli), Zachary Tyler Moss, Ryan Samuel Moss and Sydney Lina Moss. In addition, Harold is survived by his six great grandchildren: Scarlett Rose Parrelly, Gianna Muriel Browning, Donavan James Parrelly, Caleb Patrick Graney, Catherine Elise Graney, and Kira Marianne Bryan.

A Celebration of Life will be held this July in Asheville, North Carolina. Details will follow at a later date.

In lieu of sending flowers, Harold’s family requests that you make a donation to Hurricane Helene Relief/United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to support the on-going recovery for victims of the storm.

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