Harold Hunsicker spent hours in retirement working in his basement building clocks by hand for family members.

“He always liked to be creative,” said his grandson Keith Dryburgh of Hilliard, Ohio. “I think everyone in my family has a clock that he built.”

Harold Y. Hunsicker, a research engineer who worked for Alcoa directing the development of aerospace, aluminum cans and architectural products, died on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in Bayberry Court in Lower Burrell. He was 95.

“He liked to be busy and active and involved,” said his son, Jim Hunsicker of Sandusky, Ohio. “He was very involved with his professional activities and his work life, but at the same time was very much a hobbyist.”

Mr. Hunsicker was born and raised in Frankfort, Ind. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University in 1932 and a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering from Case Institute of Technology, now Case Western Reserve University, in 1939.

He worked as a research engineer in the Alcoa Research Laboratories division in Cleveland before transferring to New Kensington in 1958 to become manager of the company’s physical metallurgy division, a position he held for more than 20 years. During that time he authored a number of technical papers, co-authored several books and handbooks and held a number of patents on his aluminum alloy developments.

In retirement, Mr. Hunsicker took up hobbies. When he wasn’t building clocks, he was gardening or traveling, family members said. Over the past four years, Mr. Hunsicker cared for his ailing wife, Alice Kerns Hunsicker, who died in October. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in August.

Mr. Hunsicker was a life member of The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society and Sigma Xi, a scientific research honorary, for more than 60 years. In 1967, he was named a distinguished engineering alumnus of Purdue University and was a co-recipient of Alcoa’s Arthur Vining Davis Award in 1988. In 1986, he co-authored and co-edited, “Lore of Yore,” the history of the communities of New Kensington, Arnold and Lower Burrell.

A 50-year member and elder of Grace Community Presbyterian Church, Mr. Hunsicker served as its treasurer for several years and played in the hand bell choir.

Dryburgh said his grandfather encouraged him and his sister to pursue their interest in music.

“He was always interested in organ music and attended our recitals and concerts,” he said. “He was always interested in hearing us play.”

In addition to his son Jim, and grandson Keith, Mr. Hunsicker is survived by daughters Patricia Ann Tiitto of Winfield, Ill., and Susan Alice Dryburgh of Boardman, Ohio; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents, Samuel M. and Carrie Yundt Hunsicker; a sister, Helena Grinstead; and a granddaughter, Holly Hunsicker.

Friends will be received at 1 p.m. today in Gigler Funeral Home, Lower Burrell, with a service to follow at 3:30 p.m. in Grace Community Presbyterian Church.

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