Edward C. "Ed" Harkin 1937 - 2017 Obituary Condolences Flowers 1937 - 2017 Edward C. “Ed” Harkin, age 80, of Collingdale, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Born at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby, he was the son of the late Cornelius “Con” and Anna (nee Callaghan) Harkin. Ed started his career at the Philadelphia Navy Yard as an outside machinist. He served honorably in the Navy from 1956 to 1960, the served in the Naval Reserves for 26 years as an officer, before retiring in 1997 with the rank of Commander. Ed was a graduate of Pennsylvania Military College (Widener University) and Temple University School of Law, where he received a full academic scholarship. To support his family while attending law school, he worked at First Pennsylvania Bank at night, drove for Yellow Cab Co. on weekends, and worked part-time as a Spanish teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. Upon passing the bar in 1969, he worked for 6 years at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as an assistant to the Reporter. He worked in Center City as an attorney for Tabis, Smith & Furling for 6 years. In 1973, Ed opened his own law practice in Collingdale. He also owned and operated Dale Real Estate as a real estate broker. Ed and his wife, Dorothy also ventured as business partners and operators of Benji’s Family Restaurant. He was a member of the American Bar Association, PA Association and Philadelphia Bar Association. He was appointed by Governor Shapp as a member of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Commission. He served as president of Collingdale Fire Co. #2 for many years. He also served as solicitor and finance chairman for years at Blessed Virgin Mary Church, where he was a lifelong member and driver of the Sunday church bus. Ed won the District Justice race on both the Democrat and Republican ticket. He served from 1994-2000, then became a Senior District Justice. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He enjoyed history, ballroom dancing, and was an avid coin collector. He loved all things trains and trolleys, but was most happy packing his children, grandchildren, and neighborhood kids into one of his many junkers to take a road trip. Ed was a teetotaling Irishman with a big heart, a bigger laugh, and a prankster sense of humor. He was the first to go into his pocket without being asked, helping many people who will miss him dearly. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy Elaine (nee Battista) Harkin. He was the loving father of Dawn Dougherty Harkin, Patrick (Theresa), Edward (Laura), and Thomas Harkin. He was the brother of Anne (Joseph) Ferry and Brother William Harkin O.S.A. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
D. Clark Wonderland
From: Walt Hempel
Edward C. "Ed" Harkin 1937 - 2017 Obituary Condolences Flowers 1937 - 2017 Edward C. “Ed” Harkin, age 80, of Collingdale, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Born at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby, he was the son of the late Cornelius “Con” and Anna (nee Callaghan) Harkin. Ed started his career at the Philadelphia Navy Yard as an outside machinist. He served honorably in the Navy from 1956 to 1960, the served in the Naval Reserves for 26 years as an officer, before retiring in 1997 with the rank of Commander. Ed was a graduate of Pennsylvania Military College (Widener University) and Temple University School of Law, where he received a full academic scholarship. To support his family while attending law school, he worked at First Pennsylvania Bank at night, drove for Yellow Cab Co. on weekends, and worked part-time as a Spanish teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. Upon passing the bar in 1969, he worked for 6 years at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as an assistant to the Reporter. He worked in Center City as an attorney for Tabis, Smith & Furling for 6 years. In 1973, Ed opened his own law practice in Collingdale. He also owned and operated Dale Real Estate as a real estate broker. Ed and his wife, Dorothy also ventured as business partners and operators of Benji’s Family Restaurant. He was a member of the American Bar Association, PA Association and Philadelphia Bar Association. He was appointed by Governor Shapp as a member of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Commission. He served as president of Collingdale Fire Co. #2 for many years. He also served as solicitor and finance chairman for years at Blessed Virgin Mary Church, where he was a lifelong member and driver of the Sunday church bus. Ed won the District Justice race on both the Democrat and Republican ticket. He served from 1994-2000, then became a Senior District Justice. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He enjoyed history, ballroom dancing, and was an avid coin collector. He loved all things trains and trolleys, but was most happy packing his children, grandchildren, and neighborhood kids into one of his many junkers to take a road trip. Ed was a teetotaling Irishman with a big heart, a bigger laugh, and a prankster sense of humor. He was the first to go into his pocket without being asked, helping many people who will miss him dearly. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy Elaine (nee Battista) Harkin. He was the loving father of Dawn Dougherty Harkin, Patrick (Theresa), Edward (Laura), and Thomas Harkin. He was the brother of Anne (Joseph) Ferry and Brother William Harkin O.S.A. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Edward F. Jr. Farrell
Rest in Peace our Classmate and Brother in Arms. MAY GOD BRING YOU INTO HIS LIGHT AND SHOW YOU YOUR RESTING PLACE IN HAVEN!