Benedict John Harrison, 88, died March 29, 2019 at home after a long illness. He was married to the late Gilda (Perez) Harrison for 68 years.
Born and raised in Fairhaven, son of the late Benedict J. and Mary (Thexton) Harrison, he lived in New Bedford most of his life, where he was an active communicant of St. James Church and a recipient of the Marian Medal. He and his wife moved to Somerset in 1996.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Fitchburg State College and was employed as an automotive instructor at Diman Vocational High School and New Bedford Regional Vocational High School. He was a member of the New Bedford Zoning Board of Appeals. John enjoyed hiking, camping, and boating with his family and was known for his easy smile and quick wit.
Survivors include his son, Mark Harrison of Somerset; his daughter, Joanne Friar and her husband Atty. Donald Friar of Somerset; his brother, William Harrison of Dartmouth; six grandchildren: Christopher Friar, James Friar, Elizabeth Friar, Mary Friar, Maren Harrison and Hailey Harrison; two great-grandchildren, Harwyn and Beatrix, and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Joseph Harrison, Margaret Freitas, Elizabeth Moone, Alice Langfield, Mary Ryan and Theresa Duval.
His memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 10th at 11:30 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. His family will receive guests from 11 - 11:30 AM prior to his service. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or online at www.dementiasociety.org/donate.