Joseph P Harmon Jr.

Joseph Patrick Harmon, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at 4:29 pm. Joe was born on July 13, 1929, in Indianapolis to the late Joseph and Florence (Egan) Harmon. He graduated from St. Roch’s Grade School and Cathedral High School (Class of 1947) playing on the varsity football, basketball, and baseball teams. He attended the University of Notre Dame and served his country in the Korean War being stationed in Tokyo, Japan.

On August 18, 1962, he married Nula Purichia at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Indianapolis. He worked for Link-Belt and Ford Motor Company in several capacities in Michigan and Indiana including a term as President of the International Material Handling Society in 1972. He retired from the English Avenue Ford plant in 1990.

Joe is survived by his wife of almost 49 years Nula and by his children Joseph III (Julie) Harmon of South Bend, Julie (Stephen) Ferrucci of Fishers, Michael (Karen) Harmon of Indianapolis, and Nicholas Harmon of Indianapolis. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren (Christian, Oliver, John, and Lucy Harmon, Vincent, Dominic, and Anthony Ferrucci, and Emma, Elaina, and Andrew Harmon) and by his sisters Mary Arnold of Nashville, Tennessee, and Ann Simms, Joan Luzon, and Judy Baldwin of Louisville, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law Richard Arnold and Thomas Simms.

Joe was an active member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus Lodges. He enjoyed golf, playing cards, and horse racing. He spent many years coaching in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) both at the elementary and high school levels. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame teams and especially enjoyed the football games and fun tailgating parties on campus and even one in Ireland! He had a special patience with his grandchildren and led many instructional rounds of poker, euchre, blackjack and night baseball. His fast wit, fun-loving personality, and sense of humor will be missed and will serve as lasting memories for many years to come.

Visitation will be at St. Pius X Catholic Church 7200 Sarto Drive from 3:00 -8:00 pm on Friday July 15, 2011, with a rosary and remembrance service beginning at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at the church with additional calling from 9:00 – 10:00 am before the funeral. The celebrant will be Fr. James Farrell. Interment will be immediately following at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery 9001 Haverstick Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s honor may be made to the Nicholas and Elaine Purichia Scholarship Fund at Marian University, 3200 Cold Spring Rd., Indianapolis 46222, the Bishop Chatard High School Athletic Office, 5885 Crittenden Ave., Indianapolis, 46220, or to a charitable organization of the donor’s choice. Family and friends may also leave on-line condolences at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com.