Deacon Arthur G. "Jerry" Harrison

Deacon Arthur G. “Jerry” Harrison on Friday, August 18, 2023 at his home in Downingtown, aged 90. He was a resident of West Chester most of his adult life. Jerry was born in Lake Winola PA to the late Gerald V. and Mary (Fitterer) Harrison. In 1957 he married Miss Anne Wright, and together they shared 60 years of marriage, raising their family in West Chester.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and uncle. His love for his family was unconditional. He was a founding member of SS Peter and Paul R.C. Church in West Goshen and the Pope John XXIII Council of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister and on the Parish Council. He was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church in 1986, after 4 years of preparatory study at St. Charles Seminary. He served his parish community for 30 years in that capacity.

Jerry worked for 20 years as a draftsman, mechanical engineer and sales engineer for Autocar Trucks, Exton, and was the proprietor of Apex Mower Center in Frazer. He also worked for Terminix and the Protection Bureau prior to retirement. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran. In retirement he took a part time gig as a Walmart greeter in Exton, where he happily recounted that he got to see several old friends every day!

There was very little Jerry could not build or repair. One winter he spent a week of nights after work rebuilding a Chevy engine on a tarp on the kitchen floor, grabbing rides to and from work with a coworker. Poor Anne had her hands full keeping 4 young children out of the mess! Jerry began building and flying large RC airplanes in the 1980’s when the children were grown, a hobby he enjoyed immensely. Unfortunately, hand tremors forced him to abandon this hobby when he was older.

Jerry is survived by his sister Sr. Ann Marie Harrison, IHM, children Kathleen (Scott), James and Elizabeth (James), daughter-in-law Denise, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Anne, son Danny and brother Tom. Surviving family is comforted that he is reunited with his loved ones who passed before him. He is undoubtedly enveloped in the love of his Savior Jesus Christ who is whispering in his ear, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

Relatives and friend are invited to visitation on Wednesday August 30, 2023 from 10am-11:45am at the SS Peter and Paul Church, 1325 Boot Rd, West Chester followed by his Funeral Mass at 12pm. A private burial will take place at the St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Camilla Hall (Office of Mission Advancement, 230 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355, checks payable to Sisters of the IHM) or SS Peter and Paul School (1327 Boot Rd, West Chester, PA 19380) are appreciated.

Jerry’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many people who helped him maintain his independence until the end. Kate Sommers of Compassionate Senior Caregivers who staffed aides and insured good communication with the family, Amanda Kennel, Andrea Clark who worked with Jerry 7 days a week during the many months of Covid lockdowns to limit his exposure to outside aides, Holly Williamson, the Director of Villa St. Martha, his companion Gina, and Holisticare Hospice service who helped the family in the final weeks just as they did with his wife Anne. Dr. Jessica Schleusner, DO was our medical Sherpa – she is a blessing to our family. All are truly appreciated.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. West Chester 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com