Joe E Harrison

Joe Harrison Sr., age 64, of Tallmadge, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by family on April 24, 2022 following a brief and aggressive battle with liver cancer.

Joe was born in Portsmouth, Ohio to Roy and Phyllis Harrison on August 13, 1957. Having graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1975, Joe remained dedicated to his community by serving as the Director for Tallmadge Youth Football, among other volunteer roles. He continued to be a presence in his community through his work as a general contractor and owner of H & H Construction, then later starting J.E. Harrison Construction Inc., then most recently, working for J. Russell Construction.

Joe was a devoted father and grandfather, who aimed to teach his sons and grandsons the importance of working hard and playing hard. Joe took pride in his accomplishments, not the least of which is the home that he built for his family in Tallmadge, where he and Pam would host lively gatherings in the Tiki Bar under the palm trees. Live music and dancing would accompany laughter and storytelling whenever Joe was entertaining his loved ones and friends while he strummed his guitar. Some of Joe's other most cherished moments took place in the Florida Keys with his family, on road trips in their motorhome, and deep-sea fishing in their boat. Joe was a charming conversationalist who could befriend a stranger in seconds. As an accomplished contractor, Joe was a problem-solver with a keen attention to detail in his work. Joe was truly known for his humble demeanor, his sense of humor, and his loyalty to his friends and family.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Pam; his sons Joe Jr. and Kyle (Allison); his grandchildren Lincoln and Nolan; his siblings Barbara (Keith), Dave (Sharon), Trena (Nancy), and Mike (Debbie); and his parents Roy and Phyllis.

The family further wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown, especially Debbie, and the nurses from Crossroads with Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Joe's name to the American Cancer Society to fund research in curing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 on Thursday, April 28 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. On Friday, April 29, the family will host a celebration of Joe's life at his home starting at 5:00 PM.