Edward Hogan Harrison

Edward Vernon Harrison, born May 6, 1934, in New York City, passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 90. He was known for his meticulous nature, kind heart, and love for family and friends. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of generosity, care, and a devotion to keeping everything organized and in its place.

Edward was born Edward Vernon Hogan to an Irish immigrant father. In 1940, after his mother remarried Robert Lee Harrison, Edward was adopted and took on the name Edward Vernon Harrison. Later in life, he made the decision to legally change his name to Edward Hogan Harrison, honoring his father, Edward Vernon Hogan Sr.

At the age of 18, on May 18, 1952, Edward enlisted in the United States Army, leaving a note for his parents that simply stated, “I’m on my way to Fort Meade, Maryland.” It was a spontaneous decision, and he left without telling anyone beforehand. After basic training and attending Quartermaster Tailoring School, he was assigned to Korea, where he worked in medical supply. It was during his time in Japan that he met Haruko Kojima, the woman he would marry on August 18, 1955.

Edward’s early years were marked by a variety of jobs, reflecting his strong work ethic. He worked hard at each job, and his commitment to excellence followed him into every stage of his life. His work included part-time jobs, factory work, and his service in the Army.

Early Work History:

• 1940s: Part-time bag boy at a grocery store (earned tips)

• 1941-1945: Collected used cooking grease from households and took it to grocery stores and newspapers for cash, while also drawing bird pictures for 5 cents each.

• 1947: Paper boy during the summer.

• 1948-1950: Worked the midnight shift at Fryhoffer's Bakery in Delmar, DE.

• Also worked at an elite laundry, a pants factory, Royal Crown Bottling Co., and a chicken-packing plant.

• Worked at Avenue Theater and a French-Italian restaurant, Buss-Bon, in New York City.

• 1951-1952: Worked at a lumber planing mill.

• 1952: Worked for Montgomery Ward at $0.35 an hour.

Military Service:

• 1952-1966: United States Army (14.5 years)

o Enlisted on May 18, 1952, without informing his parents.

o After basic training and attending Quartermaster Tailoring School, he was ordered to Korea.

o Worked in medical supply at the 8169 Army Unit Hospital in Japan and Korea.

Civilian Career:

• 1966-1988: Worked as a General Telephone Engineer in management (22 years), building a long and stable career in telecommunications until his retirement.

Retirement:

• 1988-Present: Retired from work, but remained active and engaged in various hobbies, including gardening, walking, collecting coins, stamps, and old movies. He was known for his impeccable car maintenance and always enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor from his garden.

Even after retiring, Edward’s meticulous habits and active lifestyle never ceased. He loved his daily walks around Huntington Beach Central Park West, often accompanied by his beloved wife Haruko or taking the time to care for his immaculate home and garden. His gardening skills were renowned, and he was always generous in sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family.

Edward’s life was a testament to his devotion to his family. He was an excellent caregiver when his wife developed Alzheimer’s disease, offering the kind of compassionate care that became his hallmark.

Edward also found a deep sense of purpose in his later years when, after attending the Memorial of Christ’s Death on Zoom during the pandemic, he began studying the Bible with two Jehovah’s Witnesses. For nearly five years, he attended study sessions every Tuesday, where he learned about the Bible’s teachings on the condition of the dead, why we die, God’s original purpose for humanity, the resurrection hope, and Jehovah’s promise to cleanse the earth of wickedness. He looked forward to seeing his loved ones again in the resurrection, and his faith provided him peace as he approached the end of his life.

A lover of cars, he was known for taking meticulous care of his family’s vehicles, with a garage so clean that you could eat off the engine. If anyone visited, Edward would often take the time to wash their windshield, a small but thoughtful gesture that demonstrated his generosity.

In his personal time, Edward enjoyed collecting coins, stamps, old movies, and music. His collection of photographs and slides, as well as his vast library of classical music, movie musicals, and films featuring the likes of Shirley Temple, John Wayne, and the Three Stooges, was meticulously organized and cataloged. His enjoyment of these hobbies was only matched by the order and precision with which he maintained them. His collections were neatly numbered, listed, and placed in binders—a true reflection of his organized nature.

Described by those who knew him as organized, charming, and quick to smile and laugh, Edward’s presence in the lives of his family and friends will be missed dearly. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Haruko Harrison; son, David Lee Harrison; brother, John David Harrison; sisters, Judy L. Harrison Allen and Melinda L. Harrison Moore; mother, Vivian Lennox Gordon Harrison; stepfather, Robert Lee Harrison; and father, Edward Vernon Harrison.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Lee White; sister, Mary Lou Gordon; grandsons, William Harrison and Jesse Harrison; and a host of extended family and friends who will remember him for his kindness, generosity, and devotion to all that mattered most to him.

A service to celebrate Edward's life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel. An interment service will follow in the Westminster Memorial Park Columbarium of the Guardian Angel.

Luke 23:43

And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

Revelation 21:4

“And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Job 14:14-15

If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.