James ‘Don’ Harrison – Carroll Township

James “Don” Harrison, 85, of Carroll Township, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Monongahela, on Aug. 5, 1934, he was the son of the late James E. and Mary Cirinelli Harrison. Don was a veteran, having served with the 312th Army Security Agency Battalion of the United States Army. During his time in the service, he was honored with the National Defense Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. Catholic by faith, Mr. Harrison was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Donora Campus, where he served on the pastoral council and was a Eucharistic minister. Mr. Harrison was also a member of Donora Knights of Columbus Council No. 1941 and the Fourth Degree Bishop Phalen Council of the Knights of Columbus. An educator, Don received his bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania and completed his Masters in Education from West Virginia University. He taught in Upper St. Clair School District, was a principal in the Fox Chapel School District and later served in the Ringgold School District as a principal, administrator and assistant to the superintendent. Throughout his life, Don was active in his community. He was the owner-operator of Main Street Hardware in Monongahela for many years, a Monongahela councilman for 30 years and a Carroll Township supervisor. He served on the Board of Tri-Community Ambulance Service and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Public School Employees Retirement System. Don was also a member of American Legion Post 212 in Donora, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and the VFW. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Elsie Pritchard Harrison; his sister and brother in-law, JoAnn and Jimmy McCurdy; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Irma Oros. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Barb Oros Harrison; four daughters, Donna (Sam) Schultz of Monongahela, Denise Porter of Monongahela, Diana (Tim) Kristobek of Finleyville and Darci (Mark) Beck of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Mark, Danielle, Wesley, Nicole, Carly, Julia, Christian, and Tyler; several great-grandchildren; a special niece, Cathy; special nephews, Jaison and Michael; and his canine companion, Caesar. The family would like to thank the staff at Mon Valley Hospital and ViaQuest Hospice Services for their compassionate care. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Carroll Township/Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at the Donora Campus of St. Andrew the Apostle Church. Entombment with military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND A DONATION TO THE DONORA LIBRARY AND/OR THE MONONGAHELA LIBRARY TO HELP SUPPORT LITERACY IN OUR COMMUNITY. To share a condolence, please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.