Kevin was born in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Thomas and Kathleen Harley. He and his fraternal twin brother Jerome were the middle pair of 6 boys. His family moved to Fresno, California in 1954 where he attended Our Lady of Victory elementary school. He graduated from Bullard High School in 1964. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably from 1965-1968. His service included a combat deployment to Vietnam, where he fought in the Battle of Con Thien. Upon his discharge from the USMC, Kevin graduated from CSU Fresno, with a degree in accounting. In 1971, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department, launching a career that spanned 35 years. He rose to rank of Detective III. During his long career he was a recipient of the LAPD’s 1998 Medal of Valor and 1998 National Association of Police Organizations Top Cop Award.
Kevin’s greatest distinction was his devotion to his children and family. He married Cecelia, his wife of 32 years, in 1973, and had six children. In his passing, he meets his son, Kevin Jerome; and his late brothers Jerome and Dennis. Kevin is survived by his sons: Kevin T, John, and Thomas (Maria), his daughters: Eileen Lauzon (Ted), and Mary; his brothers: Patrick, Thomas, and John; and 8 grandchildren: Lucy, Briggs, Charlotte, Jane, Riley, Reagan, Rei, and Cam; and countless Harley cousins.
He was devoted to his Catholic faith, enjoyed being actively involved in his church community, and leading the local parish Rosary group. A rosary will take place June 13, at 6pm, at Whitehurst Funeral Home in Fresno. Funeral mass will be held on June 14, at 10am at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church located at 5770 N Maroa Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in his name to either the Los Angeles Police Protective league Eagle and Badge Foundation: https://www.eagleandbadgefoundation.com/eagle-badge-foundation-story or the Semper Fi Fund: https://thefund.org/
