Obituary of John W. Harrison

John (Jack) W. Harrison passed away peacefully on September 27, 2022. Born in Newtown Township, Bucks County, PA on April 8, 1925 to parents Harriet and Lovedon Harrison. He attended his beloved Good Intent one-room school through 8th grade, and graduated from Newtown High School in 1942, serving as the President of his graduating class. Throughout his adult life he convened periodic reunions of his classmates, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. He reflected often and fondly on his early public school memories, a source of deep pride and comfort throughout his life.

 After graduation, he served in the Hospital Corps of the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. Stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Ruth Marten. They married in 1949, and celebrated 58 years of marriage together. He completed  a Bachelor's of Science and a Master's degree in Metallurgy from Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. After a brief period of employment at the American Chain and Cable Company in York, PA he accepted a position at General Electric, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory where he worked until his retirement in 1983. 

 Jack loved traveling, antique car restoration, telling stories, and playing with his grandchildren. He and Ruth shared an insatiable curiosity about the world that resulted in a lifetime of travel in the U.S. and abroad. He made an annual pilgrimage to the Hershey Auto Show in PA with his brother, Ed, for their favorite pastime: looking at old cars and discussing the minutia of antique auto history. Always ready with an entertaining anecdote, Jack's storytelling skills—fueled by his keen memory and observation skills—endeared him to many. He was immensely proud of his family and delighted in being a grandfather; as he had with Christina, he loved putting Adrian and Niall into the infamous “death grip,” from which there was no escape. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Schenectady, and in retirement volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Jack was a man of few words, but of deep conviction, faith and quiet strength. 

 Jack is survived by his daughter, Christina Harrison; grandchildren Adrian Harrison and Niall Harrison; former son-in-law Jeff Harrison; brother Edward Harrison and nephews Scott Harrison and Todd Harrison.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the sanctuary at Coburg Village in Rexford on Friday, October 28th at  2:00 PM. Family and friends are welcomed to join, masks are required for the safety of the Coburg community. Committal service with full military honors will be held on Saturday, October 29th at Union Cemetery in Richboro, PA at 12:30 PM. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY.