Thomas J. Harrison

September 27, 1936 — November 10, 2017

Thomas J. Harrison
Sept. 27, 1936 - Nov. 10, 2017

Thomas J. Harrison, 81, a resident of White Creek, N.Y., and the founder and operator of Tom Harrison Whitewash Service, died in peace surrounded by his family at Saratoga Hospital on November 10, 2017. A calling hour at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. is planned for Friday, November 17, at the E.P. Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street in Bennington, Vt.

Harrison was born to Viola (Brown) and James M. Harrison on Sept. 27, 1936. He graduated from West Rutland High School and moved to Bennington, Vt., where he married Hazel M. Burgess, the daughter of Earl and Helen (Briggs) Burgess, on Nov. 20, 1955. Harrison was employed at Fairdale Farms and worked in various positions for nearly two decades. In 1969, in addition to working for Fairdale Farms, Harrison started his whitewash business on a part-time basis, which eventually grew into a full-time business.

Harrison continued to maintain and run both his Little Pond Farm and whitewash business right up until August when illness forced him to seek treatment. He ceded day-to-day operations of the whitewash business to his granddaughter, Katelyn (Mann) Redus of Fort Ann, N.Y.

Harrison was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather who enjoyed raising miniature Herefords; watching college football, especially Notre Dame; and keeping up with his family and friends either by visiting in person or chatting on the phone.

Harrison leaves his companion of 24 years, Jan (Meigs) Pilon; five daughters: Elaine J. Harrison (and Holly Florek), of Westhampton, Mass.; Kay-Jean (and Dr. Richard C. Hardin) of Brookfield, Conn.; Judith A. (and William D. Warner) of Melrose, Mass.; Coleen M. (and Jeffrey Jutkiewicz) of Glens Falls, N.Y.; and Sharon E. Jones (and William E. Montgomery III) of Glens Falls, N.Y. Harrison also leaves nine grandchildren: Jason H., Nicholas E., and Phillip J. Wagner; Kelsey R. (and Kyle D. Potter) and Dana K. Warner; Kelly M. (Mann) Brooking and Katelyn (Mann) Redus; Ashley S. Jones and Wesley R. Jones; and 10 great grandchildren: Alexia K. Wagner; Stella M. Redus; Levon J. Brooking; Hanna, Niko, Sophie, and Eva Weiler Wagner; Dylan Z. and Jordan Z. Baker; and Wesley R. Jones II.

Harrison also leaves his younger brother, Richard Harrison of Yucca Valley, Calif. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Francis J. "Flip," Robert E., David J., Alma M. Yarnell, William P., James M. "Jesse", Raymond A., Anna Marie Sauer, Paul W., Mary Jane Sauer, Donald C., and Peter G. His former wife, Hazel M. (Burgess Harrison) Candib of Bennington, Vt., predeceased him on August 21, 2017.

Should anyone desire to make a contribution in Mr. Harrison's memory, the family recommends either Second Chance Animal Center in Shaftsbury, Vt., or the SPCA of Saratoga County through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 050201.

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First Visitation

Friday, November 17, 2017

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home

628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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