Joseph C. Harkins Jr.

Joseph C. Harkins, Jr. age 97, of Kennett Square, PA, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Crosslands Community. Born in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late Mary Bernice and the late Joseph C. Harkins.  He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Jeanne M. Harkins.  He is survived by four daughters, Jeannie (Bill) Astifan, Judy (Jeff) Malkovsky, Pat (Jeff Stamets) Harkins, Kate Harkins and his grandchildren, Christine (Mike Bacon) Prisco, Liz Prisco, John (Sarah) Prisco, Lauren (Blake Johnson) Malkovsky, Terry Stamets, Brian Harkins, Aaron Harkins, and great-grandson Anthony Joseph Prisco.  He was predeceased by his brother Tom (Dottie) Harkins and is survived by his brother John (Irma) Harkins.

Joe attended Iona Preparatory High School in New Rochelle, NY, graduating as the Valedictorian. While attending the University of Notre Dame he enlisted in the army, proudly serving during WWII in the War of Occupation in Korea.  He then returned to Notre Dame and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.  He went on to earn a law degree at St. John’s University while working full time at General Foods in Hoboken, NJ, where he met his wife, Jeanne.  Joe went on to work for Congoleum Nairn beginning as a plant manager, eventually being promoted to Vice-President of Manufacturing.  Joe holds many patents, including one for Cushionflor which enjoyed outstanding success for Congoleum. 

Joe’s main passions in life were his faith and his family.  He was a devout Catholic and had a deep devotion to St. Joseph and prayed the rosary daily. 

Joe and Jeanne split their retirement years between Chadds Ford, PA and Naples, FL where Joe loved playing golf.  He was an avid and accomplished golfer, having shot two holes in one.

Joe loved nothing more than spending time with his family.  Summers were spent around the family pool, teaching the grandkids how to swim, and playing games that Grandpa created. Joe’s love of celebrating holidays, birthdays and special events instilled in his family the importance of being together as a family and honoring those events and each family member.  His family is grateful that Joe continued to be a part of these celebrations.

Joe moved to Crosslands in 2016 where he enjoyed the companionship and kindness of the caregivers, staff, nurses and friends.  The family is forever grateful for the care that Joe received there.

Joe will remain in the hearts of his family and friends and will be deeply missed.

A viewing will begin at 9:45am at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am.  Interment will be at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19807.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a mass card for Joe or a donation to Iona Preparatory School, New Rochelle, NY. (Ionaprep.org).

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