John William Harvey

Born July 5th, 1947, to Jim and Alice (Dattoli) Harvey in the Bronx, New York; he attended St Phillip Neri and Cardinal Hayes High School. A great Italian cook and gifted decorator, John was always ready to give a helping hand to amplify style and glamour, both traits he inherited from his doting Italian grandmother and his loving Uncle Vic. He loved dancing and music; he would dance all night on the NYC dance floors and still never miss a day at work.

Christmas was a special time for John. He adored the holiday season; a master of bows, gift wrapping, and decorating the tree with tons of tinsel. It was always a fabulous season with food, shopping with his longest and dearest friend Philomena, and above all else time with family and friends that became family.

John’s life evolved even more wonderfully during the 1970’s when he met, as he would say, “his beloved Michael”; with whom he shared 42 years of love in devotion. Their joy and love for one another stood strong and never wavered in the face of hate and stigma. When the world witnessed many people die from AIDS in the early 1980’s, John, being stead-fast in empathy; was there to carry on the memory of those lost and support the lives of the young men that once gleefully danced and offered to ease words of hate, by ushering in respect, dignity, and calm.

In the wake of the AIDS crisis, John and Michael found a new home in North Carolina. Here they cultivated new friendships, workplaces, and a place of worship. While he loved living in North Carolina and the people he created relationships with; he still missed the glistening lights of New York and the city that he called home.

In 2008, life for John changed again with the passing of “his beloved Michael”. They shared a love that not many people can say they have experienced or even witnessed. Their love was one of pure admiration and support in every facet. John continued to live out the rest of his life in North Carolina, always remembering the true love he felt with Michael. As life progressed, John started to endure health issues, until his passing.

A smile and laugh that could bring the sun out from behind the clouds, John was truly a great family member and a fierce friend. In a world that could be so diminishing, John represented a world full of love, compassion, and valor. He will be greatly missed, but always forever remembered.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday November 5, 2025 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.

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