Enjoyed golf, boating and NE sports teams
MELROSE — Joseph P. Harrison passed away at the Mary Immaculate Restorative Center in Lawrence on October 7 at 63 years of age.
Joseph “Joe” Harrison was born on October 16, 1959 in Melrose to the late Patricia (Cochrane) Harrison and the late James Harrison. Joe was raised in Melrose and was in the graduating class of 1978 at Melrose High School. He then moved to Tewksbury to raise his two daughters and following resided in ME, NH and back to MA prior to his passing.
Joe started his work career as an apprentice with his dad at Publishes Book Bindery. He then furthered his career in the printing industry with companies including DMI and Volk Packaging. While residing in Tewksbury, he was a dedicated softball dad and supported the Tewksbury Girls Softball League and multiple travel teams his daughters played on.
In his free time, you could find Joe on the golf course, enjoyed his time at the bowling alley, spending time on a boat with his siblings, supporting all New England sports team and attending the annual Super Bowl parties with his childhood friends; even when the Patriots weren’t playing. Joe had a sense of humor and unapologetically handled his illness “his way”.
Joe was the loving father of Kaitlyn Tavares and her husband Kevin of Derry NH; and Nicole Modugno and her husband Joseph of Auburn NH. Devoted grandpa “Papa Joe” to Owen, Avery and Henry. Beloved brother to Barbara Kimball, Paul Harrison, Jamie Harrison, Bobby Harrison, Patti Maloney, Kathy Webber, Joe Steinbrecher, James “Chipper” Steinbrecher and Lori Steinbrecher. Cared and loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was also predeceased by both parents James and Patricia Harrison; stepmother Judy Harrison; and brother Thomas “Tommy” Harrison.
Our sincerest thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mary Immaculate Restorative Center and Beacon Hospice for their care, compassion and support during Joe’s illness and end of life.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday, October 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 18 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Joe’s name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/. To sign online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com.