1929
William
2011
William Harrison
March 17, 1929 — April 7, 2011
William H. Harrison, son of the late Forrest and Loretta Harrison, has gone to be with the Lord after a long battle with cancer. The life-long resident of McKean died on Thursday, April 7 in the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Erie at age 82.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sally Pavkov Harrison, four sons and 17 grandchildren. Reflecting his own legacy as a student athlete at McKean High School, Bill’s family was accomplished in academics and sports, achieving national and state recognition in wrestling, football, track, gymnastics, and cross-country. Many of them were recruited by and attended leading academic institutions.
Bill proudly served his country in the Korean War where he earned two Purple Hearts and obtained the rank of staff sergeant. He served two tours of duty with the Marines, including the Chosin Reservoir. Throughout his life, one of Bill’s proudest personal achievements was to be associated with the Marine Corps, and some of his closest emotional and deepest spiritual connections were with his fellow Leathernecks.
A former rural mail carrier, Bill had a reputation as the “go-to guy” for family and friends. He frequently demonstrated his ingenuity and resourcefulness. He loved the outdoors, whether maintaining his wooded property or hunting with family and friends.
He was preceded into heaven by an infant daughter, son Tim, and brother Jim. In addition to his wife Sally, Bill is survived by four sons: Pat (Linda) of Cincinnati, OH; Mike of Edinboro, PA; Dan (Kathy) of McKean, PA; Greg (Jolie) of Los Angeles, CA; and brother Frank (Billie) of McKean, PA. He is survived by 17 grandchildren; Nathan, Carrie, John, Zachary, Abby, Luke, Heide, Hazel, Hunter, Hudson, Hayden, Hadley, Hannah, Grace, Noah, Grant, and Alexia, as well as 11 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at First Alliance Church of Erie at 2939 Zimmerly Road, with Pastor Dave Snyder officiating. Viewing hours are Tuesday, April 12 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (west entrance E). The funeral will be conducted on Wednesday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Alliance Church.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sally Pavkov Harrison, four sons and 17 grandchildren. Reflecting his own legacy as a student athlete at McKean High School, Bill’s family was accomplished in academics and sports, achieving national and state recognition in wrestling, football, track, gymnastics, and cross-country. Many of them were recruited by and attended leading academic institutions.
Bill proudly served his country in the Korean War where he earned two Purple Hearts and obtained the rank of staff sergeant. He served two tours of duty with the Marines, including the Chosin Reservoir. Throughout his life, one of Bill’s proudest personal achievements was to be associated with the Marine Corps, and some of his closest emotional and deepest spiritual connections were with his fellow Leathernecks.
A former rural mail carrier, Bill had a reputation as the “go-to guy” for family and friends. He frequently demonstrated his ingenuity and resourcefulness. He loved the outdoors, whether maintaining his wooded property or hunting with family and friends.
He was preceded into heaven by an infant daughter, son Tim, and brother Jim. In addition to his wife Sally, Bill is survived by four sons: Pat (Linda) of Cincinnati, OH; Mike of Edinboro, PA; Dan (Kathy) of McKean, PA; Greg (Jolie) of Los Angeles, CA; and brother Frank (Billie) of McKean, PA. He is survived by 17 grandchildren; Nathan, Carrie, John, Zachary, Abby, Luke, Heide, Hazel, Hunter, Hudson, Hayden, Hadley, Hannah, Grace, Noah, Grant, and Alexia, as well as 11 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at First Alliance Church of Erie at 2939 Zimmerly Road, with Pastor Dave Snyder officiating. Viewing hours are Tuesday, April 12 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (west entrance E). The funeral will be conducted on Wednesday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Alliance Church.
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