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WILLIAM HARMON Obituary

HARMON WILLIAM JOHN HARMON (Age 91) USN (Retired) Born February 14, 1927, in Oliver, PA, died on January 9, 2019, at his home in Wheaton, MD. He was 91 years old. Mr. Harmon is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Karma Faye. He is survived by three children, Christopher John Harmon (Jean), William Patrick Harmon (Rena), and Richard Michael Harmon (John). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Matthew John Harmon (Jen), Colleen Audra Harmon, Laura Katherine Harmon, Michael Christopher Harmon, Mary Kathleen Harmon, Ryan Patrick Harmon, Megan Marie Harmon, and a special niece, Cathy Linn. He is survived by his two loving sisters, Mary Pillar, and Dorothy Zubovic and many devoted nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill was a veteran of World War II, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He grew up near the coal mines of Uniontown, PA, born to John Francis and Katherine Harmon. Bill was the oldest of seven brothers and sisters. He joined the Navy in 1944 at the age of 17, with permission from his father, who did not want him to follow in his footsteps as a coal miner. Bill's passion throughout his childhood was to become a pilot, but an injury to his eye disqualified him from air service and he turned his naval career to surface ships including the USS Southerland (DDR 743), ATR 66 Rescue Ocean Tug, the USS Dunn County (LST 762), and the USS Palau (CVE 122). He later qualified for submarines and became a radio operator on the USS Pomphret (SS 391). He would eventually go on to serve on the USS Bream (SSK 243), USS Carp (SSK 338), USS Bugara (SS 331), USS Tira (SS 416), USS Remora (SS 487), USS Tang (SS 562), USS Nautilus (SSN 571) under Admiral William T. Anderson, and the USS Skate (SS 578). During his service with the Navy, he was part of the Naval Intelligence Group as a cryptologist or a "Spook". His duty stations took him from the mountains of Western Pennsylvania to the South China Sea, with one tour in China and two tours in Japan. He tracked foreign naval activity in the straits of Japan, skirting sonar nets to monitor ship movement. He also had duty stations in Adak, Alaska, Iceland, Germany, San Juan, PR, Norfolk, VA, and his beloved Scotland, where he met and continued a lifelong friendship with his best friend Bob Whyte. He retired from the US Navy in 1968 and continued working with Submarines at Vitro/Automation Industries in Aspen Hills, MD, on the 688 Class until he retired in 1988. Bill's lifetime dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary was strengthened when he was on the USS Skate and collision sent the submarine to the bottom of the China Sea. He sought her intercession in the moments of uncertainty that the boat would resurface. His appreciation of her saving his life continued annually on December 8th __ the feast of the Immaculate Conception __ when he honored other subs and submariners lost by drinking "To the Boats". Bill believed that Our Lady saved him for a reason. Years later, he was justified in this belief as he spent 14 years caring for his wife, Karma, who suffered from dementia, at home. Although she was bedridden, he insisted on being her primary caregiver and rarely left her side. His love and dedication to duty are an inspiration to his family. He was truly an American hero. He was proud of his attachment to the various branches of the military but most honored to have served with the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions, to include time in China near Tsingtao. Bill was a member of American Legion Post 268, VFW Post, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Wheaton Optimist Club and a Scout Master for Troop 498 in Holiday Park, MD. He was an usher at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, where he was a parishioner for over 50 years. 73's and 88's. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD on Tuesday, January 15 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church, Wheaton, MD, on Wednesday, January 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Parklawn Memorial Park. www.Collinsfuneralhome.comwww.Collinsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM HARMON

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Dominique Gallo

January 7, 2024

Thinking of all of you (Harmon family) today! I think of him often.

Dominique Yambrick Gallo

January 7, 2023

Remembering you today, Bill, and always- so many memories! I´m so glad I got to spend time with you towards the end of your earthly life. Missing you.

Dominique Gallo

January 7, 2022

Remembering your vibrant self today! Hugs to the family!

Kathy Sherman

February 4, 2019

So many wonderful memories of Bill and Karma, the sweetest couple ever! They were such gracious hosts to us during our college years with Rich and well after. Always loved visiting the "Harmon Ranch." Bill's dedication to his wife during the many years of her illness was absolutely the most selfless and amazing gift of love I have ever witnessed. Bill is truly an inspiration and will be dearly missed.

Raymond Fritz

February 1, 2019

To the family and friends of William J. Harmon, CTC(SS) and on behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans - USSVI, please accept our sincere condolences at William's passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find kindness to warm you, sympathy to comfort you, and cherished memories to bring peace to your heart.

We are forever grateful for William's service to our country in the United States Submarine service. William served on the Surface ships: USS Southerland (DDR 743), ATR 66 Rescue Ocean Tug, the USS Dunn County (LST 762), and the USS Palau (CVE 122)
Submarines: USS Pompfret (SS-391), USS Bream (SSK-243), USS Carp (SSK-338), USS Bugara (SS-331), SS Tiru (SS-416), USS Remora (SS-487), USS Tang (SS-562), USS Nautilus (SSN-571) under Admiral William T. Anderson, and the USS Skate (SS-578). Bill retired from the U.S. Navy as a CTC(SS). To our Brother of the Phin we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Harmon, William J., CTC(SS), US Navy, now on Eternal Patrol -- Fair Winds and Following Seas to our departed shipmate. William's record is posted online in the Eternal Patrol file on the USSVI website.

Rev. Ray Fritz, EM1(SS) (Served on the USS Skate (SSN-578) from 1958-1960). Acting National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI and assistant Carolina Piedmont Base, USSVI (803-619-1121), [email protected]

L B

January 30, 2019

To the Harmon family, you have my sincere condolences. When someone falls asleep in death (Ecclesiastes 9: 5,10) the memories we have of them become our most precious treasure. May those memories comfort you as well as Gods promise at John 6:40.

Gwynne Seward

January 21, 2019

from daughter of Tim Seward, American Legion Post 268

Mary Moran

January 15, 2019

Bill Harmon's loving heart enfolded all who crossed his path. I am especially grateful that he was Pop-Pop not only to his own grandchildren but to my 4 as well. His was always the first birthday card in the mailbox and we all knew that 6 am birthday call was from POP! The world will be a colder place with out my Sailor, but we are blessed to have had him our lives.To the boats, Bill!

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

January 14, 2019

Uncle Bill will be in our hearts forever!
Love,
Ramona, Jeff, Chelsea & Matt, Sam and Emily

Robert Sharpe

January 13, 2019

The USS Remora SS-487 Historian, Reunion Committee and crew members are sadden to hear that Bill departed on Eternal Patrol. RIP Shipmate. CTC (SS) William J. Harmon, Rest Your Oar, we have the watch.

Julie Seeley

January 13, 2019

Bill was a one of a kind man! Always generous of time, stories and food. His love of family and friends his service and country always awed me and my family. I feel blessed to have shared many laughs and beers with him over the years, honest to God as Bill would end many a story. Praying you will rest well close by to Karma and pray for us all as we make our way. Love and prayers for you and all of the family! Will fondly wear the Dolphins you gave to both Bob and I, your second favorite nurses only to Karma. You will be missed! Love you Pop Pop Bill.

James Mattingly

January 13, 2019

Bill was a wonderful friend and Legion member. Both he and his friend Bob Whyte were full of stories and wonderful experiences. He will be missed. The good thing of all this, is that both he and Karma are 'together', again.

Greater Glory Basket

David Biondolillo

Sent Flowers

Dominique Gallo

January 13, 2019

Mr. Harmon , I didn't call you Bill until very recently, I mourn your death but I know you are with Karma Faye now. I have wonderful memories of you throughout my lifetime, especially when Rich and I were young - most of those being in your kitchen or out in the backyard playing croquet. I love you and your family! Rest In Peace.

Karen Harmon

January 13, 2019

"88's" Uncle Bill.

Kathleen Santilli-Mazzocco

January 13, 2019

Bill will always hold a special place in many hearts, including mine. He never forgot a birthday or failed to respond to a letter. His many visits to our house over the years to see his cousins (Santillis) when we were young always brought smiles & laughter! After reading about Bill's career, the word, "honorable" describes him and his life. Much love and sorrow for the loss of a truly good man. May he rest in peace. ❤

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