John Harrison

GUILDERLAND – John F. "Jack" Harrison passed away on June 8, 2006 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center after a long illness. He was born in Port Jervis, NY on February 12, 1926, son of John F. and Lillian Collier Harrison. He graduated from Port Jervis High School in 1944. He attended Northwestern University in 1957-58, where he graduated from the Traffic Police Administration Training Program. He holds Bachelor Degrees in Public Administration and the Administration of Criminal Justice. Jack joined the New York State Police in May 1948 as a Trooper in Troop C, Sidney, NY. He remained in the State Police for over 28 years, being promoted to Corporal in 1956, Sergeant in 1959 and First Sergeant of Troop T (the Thruway) in 1961. In 1963, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Traffic Section of Division Headquarters. In 1965, he was transferred to Troop G. He was promoted to Captain in 1967 in Troop K, and transferred to the newly-formed Troop F as a Captain in 1968. He was promoted to Inspector in Division Headquarters in 1972, and later that same year was designated Major, Director of Traffic for the entire state. In 1974, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and designated Deputy Chief Inspector in charge of Planning and Research. He retired from that position in July, 1976. Upon retirement from the State Police, he assumed the position of Region One Director for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, with responsibility for all the northeastern states and the eastern half of Canada. After 15 years of service, he retired from AAMVA in 1991. Jack will long be remembered for his kind heart, friendly manner and eternal love of the New York Yankees. He was a member of the Police Benevolent and Former Troopers Associations, and served as historian for the New York State Police. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patricia L. (Rosencrance) Harrison, and two children: John F. Harrison, III and Kelly Harrison. John and his wife Caren reside in Duxbury, MA with their four children: Elizabeth, Christopher, Timothy and Catherine. Kelly and her husband Harold reside in Redmond, OR. Jack is also survived by his brother James C. Harrison (wife Margaret) of Milford, PA and sister, Marjorie in Virginia, and is predeceased by his sister Anne E. Fahey. He is further survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack's family wishes to thank the staff of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center for their loving care and endless comfort.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). A prayer service will be held on Monday at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New York State Troopers Foundation, 1220 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12203 in memory of John F. Harrison. Expressions of sympathy may be made at newcomerfamily.com