Final Patrol: Trooper Harold Joseph "Harry" Harkins (Retired)

Harold Joseph "Harry" Harkins

January 2, 1929 - July 16, 2021

Harold Joseph “Harry” Harkins, 92 of Fort Myers Beach, FL passed away Friday, July 16,

2021 at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice. Formerly of Columbus, OH he had been a

resident of Fort Myers Beach since 1991. Harry was born January 2, 1929 in Yonkers, NY

the son of the late Edward W. and Gertrude (Seery) Harkins.

Mr. Harkins was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country from 1951 –

1953.

He was a New York State Trooper for 23 years before serving as State Director for the

Federal Highway Administration in Ohio from 1974 – 1991.

Harry was an avid reader and lifelong learner, who enjoyed history and watching sports,

especially golf and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His greatest passion was for his family

and grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving children, Edward (Kenna) Harkins of Santiago Chile;

Theodore (Bem) Harkins of Los Angeles, CA; Lori (David) Whitney of San Francisco, CA

and Lisa Harkins of Carmel, IN; brother-in-law, John (Jan) Cook of Fort Worth, TX; and

cherished grandchildren, Natalie Harkins, Jason (Lizzie) Whitney, Samantha (John

Heiland) Fell, Peter Whitney, Kevin Harkins and Mackenzie (Mark) McEvily.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Ruth

C. Harkins; sisters, Sister Mary Kateri and Betty Ann Craw; and second wife, Alice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 10:00 AM at

Church of the Ascension, 6025 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Following the

Mass, his ashes will be inurned in the church memorial garden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of Ascension or Hope Hospice of

Bonita Springs.

Online condolences may be offered by visiting http://www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since

1978.