After a heroic fight with cancer, Joe Harbison passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at the age of 55. Joe leaves behind his wife, Susan, son James (12), five adult children and three grandchildren.
 
Joe will be remembered as a man always ready to help a friend in need, for his amazing strength, tough-guy exterior and heart of gold. Joe was a fierce warrior in his 13-year battle with cancer. Despite being physically disabled from many surgical procedures, chemo and radiation, Joe was eager to work, doing small handyman jobs to help supplement his wife’s income. As the cancer spread, he underwent rigorous chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which left him unable to work.

Joe in 2019 with his son James (left), grandson Michael (right), and granddaughter Eliza (in Joe's arms)

This past year has been incredibly draining emotionally, physically and economically for Joe’s family. The recent loss of Susan’s father, Chuck (James’ Pop-Pop), to cancer just last month; caring for Joe through his numerous medical treatments, ER visits and hospital stays; and now Joe’s death have left Susan, James and their extended family exhausted and full of tremendous grief.
 
As a friend and neighbor of the Harbison family, I am asking community members to come together and donate to help support Susan and James in honor of Joe. All funds collected will be used for funeral preparations, living expenses, and medical bills. Every little bit helps.

James and Susan Harbison

Thank you for supporting this loyal and deserving family.

We invite you to join us to honor and celebrate Joe’s life on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at The Ballroom at Bethel, Bethel Fire Station, 3737 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania 19060.

~ Erica Brignac