James Harvey Jr., 76, of Noank, died unexpectedly and peacefully at home on Sunday, February 19, 2006.
Born to Irish Immigrants Ellen McGinty Harvey and James Harvey, of Sligo and Donegal, Ireland on June 23, 1929 in Everett MA, he was a first generation born in the U.S.
After graduating from Malden Catholic High School, Harv enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in Scotland and Spain were he became a plank owner of Sub Tenders USS Hunley and the USS Canopus. After retiring from the Navy, he graduated from the General Dynamics apprentice program as an outside machinist.
He married the former Joan Kathleen Hughes in 1954 at Chapel on the Thames, at the US Sub Base. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on July 10, 2004 in Moscow, Russia.
In addition to his devoted wife Joan, he is survived by his son, Michael Harvey and wife Veronika of Moscow, Russia; his daughters, Michele Harvey of Seattle, Patricia Harvey Paquette and husband Timothy, of Groton; a sister-in-law Jane Pollard and husband Jerry of Port Orchard, WA, his grandchildren, Jennifer, Jonathan and Joshua Paquette of Groton and Jack, Stephen and Katarina Harvey of Moscow,; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved children, Mark Anthony in 1956, and Heather Joan in 1983.
He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton. He served as Past Commander the American Legion Harrison Ward Post in Noank, was a member of the Toastmasters Club, and the Noank Memorial Day Parade Committee. He was a member of the Navy League and life member of the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association. He was most proud to have organized Noank’s first girl’s softball team, the Whitecaps in the 1970’s. He was also instrumental in the development of Noank’s Spicer Field.
Harv’s family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 6-8pm.
His funeral will begin on Friday at 10:15am from the funeral home to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church on Friday at 11am. Burial with military honors will be at St. Patrick Cemetery.
The family kindly suggests that in lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Alzheimers Association, 2911 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, CT 06518 or St. Mary Parish Center Building Fund, 69 Groton Long Pt. Road, Groton, CT 06340.
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