Joseph Harrelson Jr.

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Joseph Harrelson Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

JOSEPH SHELTON HARRELSON JR. Colonel, USA, Retired (Age 84). On Thursday, April 17, 2003 of Baltimore, MD. Beloved father of Alexis, Ashley and John; brother of Andrew, Eugene, Annette and Bill and grandfather of Michael, Stephen, Todd, Catie, Grant and Monica. He is also survived by his beloved Patti, his former wife, Ginette and his dear friend, Kay. Funeral Services will be held at the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer, Fort Myer, VA on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 9:00 AM. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to assemble at the Old Post Chapel by 8:30 AM. Interment Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph S. Harrelson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o the University of Baltimore, Educational Foundation in memory of Professor Joe S. Harrelson Jr., 420 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD. 21201. Arrangements by Pumphrey's Colonial Funeral Home, Rockville, MD.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 23, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Harrelson

Sponsored by his son, John Harrelson.

9 Entries

Dr Danny Muffoletto ND

January 14, 2012

Col. Joe S. Harrelson was more amazing then you know. HE WAS THE FORMER director of Operations of the CIA.It took the Agency one whole year to debrief Him. The Communist Chinese had a folder over 6 feet high on him. He was my faculty advisor.We worked together to achieve 5 Outstanding Harvard delegation awards. Broke the record for the number of awards for any team ,twice, since the games began. He gave me excellent advice from His unpublished book on Vietnam , on how make the US Safe from terrorists,just after 911. I thank President Reagan for working with Dr. Harrelson. He combined His past leadership of the Central Highland Montagnards, His War College teaching strategy, with His jump school bravo. These traits with his nearly perfect memory, and thorough study of history, made for one terrific teacher.I dedicate my motivational training, Winning at Harvard to ,Dr. Joseph S. Harrelson, and to my Dad Sam"The Sicilian" Muffoletto, commercial law expert. Dr. Danny Muffoletto ND,Bennington, Vermont,[email protected]

Debbie Walters

May 22, 2003

Our dear Joseph was truly an amazing man...father, friend, soldier, teacher. Whenever you saw him, he would always ask "how in the world are you" and be genuinely interested in all you had to say about what was happening in your life. His response to your "how are you" was "I think I'm going to make it" and MAKE IT he did. He made a tremedous impact on everyone's life that he touched whether as a kind an loving father and friend or as a motivator and teacher as a soldier and scholar.

He also was a private man about his military life...he saw too much pain and suffering and was haunted by those demons. The Korean War was especially painful for him and during a trip to DC with him and Mom, he almost could not bear to go see the memorial to his falling comrades. Not one to show emotion but hold it inside, after viewing the statues he said in a matter-of-fact voice, "America did not support it's troops in this effort."

He was the "pie guy" always wanting to contribute to holiday dinners by bringing various pies for dessert...much healthier than cake and other rich goodies. He continued his healthy eating and daily excerise routine to the end. And his infectious, unique laugh will ring in our ears forever at the mention of his name.

Ashley, Mom, and I were fortunate to see Joseph on Wed April 16th...the day of his passing. His only audible words were "I love you too" in reply to Mom telling him how much she loved him. He held her hand so tight and didn't want to let go when we were leaving. Finally when they did release, Joseph must have felt it was alright and time to "push off." I was awoken by a strong wind blowing through my window knocking the lamp off the nightstand about 2:30am that night and didn't know at the time that it must have been God bringing Joseph to him. God brought his son Joseph to him in the manner in which Joseph lived his life...on a strong, powerful, disciplined wind cutting it's determined course through the sky but also in the cover of darkness symbolizing his desire to be private and not show his very deep emotional scars acquired through the tragedy of war.

Joseph was such a wonderfully kind, incredibly knowledgeable person...truly multi-faceted. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.

Philip Jay Blank

May 15, 2003

What an honor and privilege to have been associated with Dr. Harrelson. A teachers, teacher, a gentlemans, gentleman and without a doubt a soul and spirit that trancends our universe.

John Harrelson

May 11, 2003

Whether you knew my dad as Colonel Harrelson, Professor Harrelson, Dr. Harrelson, Zinnie, Joe, Joseph, Dad, Daddy, or by his dear granddaughter, Catie, as the “Pie Guy”, you knew he was worthy of your respect, admiration, gratitude, and love.

He wanted to be remembered as a father who loved and lived for his children; as a professional soldier who served his country proudly; as a patriotic American who loved his country; and as a professor who worked hard to be worthy to teach his students.

He was a man of ethics, honor, and duty. He was a protector; a professional soldier who put his life on the line to protect his country, his men, and his family.

A soldier that had compassion to help orphans ravaged by war. A man, who when again called upon his country for his help, stepped up to the challenge, put his life on the line, and gave it everything he had.

A man who wanted to help the youth of this country, with his time, dedication, and knowledge.

He was an amazing man whose character, energy, sense of duty, knowledge, and compassion will probably never be seen again on this earth.

We will all miss you, Dad.

Sic transit gloria mundi

Lee Walters

May 10, 2003

A very private and disciplined man; it was my privilege and joy to earn his friendship and trust. It is my honor to be commissioned for, bear witness to, and to embrace his vision for the legacy he wished to create.

Lee Walters

Legg Mason

Patti Walters

May 6, 2003

I am so proud of Joseph's publication A HANDBOOK ON HOW AND WHY OUR CONSTITUTION AND SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT CAME ABOUT. He strongly felt that all school children should respect and know about our country and its place in the world. I am so thankful for his knowledge and the many things he taught me. I know he touched many lives. This is just one of his many legacies and accomplishments.

I mourn his passing and will never forget our loving relationship. He meant the world to me -- and I will treasure our memories forever..

Ashley Joel Gardner

May 5, 2003

Joseph Harrelson was my father. I loved him with my whole heart. He was the best dad and a true American hero. Even in his last months as he lay declining and near death, he would remember by name the fallen soldiers in his company, and even when he was too weak to speak clearly he would ask what he could do for me, if there was anything I needed. Me? The one thing I needed, Daddy, was for you to re-capture the seemingly endless days of your tremendous strength, to enable me to keep my childhood's faith that you would have immortality on this earthly plane. Daddy, immortality on a further and better plane you shall surely have, but I will miss you with my whole heart. Remember your promise to take me to Normandy Beach? It would have been your third trek to that ill-fated shore and my first. I still plan to go, Daddy, and I still plan to go with you.

Your loving daughter, Ashley.

Pamed Le Resche

April 29, 2003

Joseph was very dear to my whole family. He spent the last 19 years of his life sharing time with my Mother. Joseph was not one for small talk, and he enriched all our lives with his incredible knowledge and thirst to share the history that was so dear to him. You always walked away a little smarter after spending time with Joseph. He loved to share his experiences of real life and history. Times that seem lost. He will be greatly missed.

Dr.Dan Muffoletto ND

April 24, 2003

A wonderful person, with a sense of humor. A creative genius & remarkable teacher.

A patriot who served his country in three wars.

Who worked for the security of the United States, in the State Dept, and the CIA. He taught at Fort Benning & the War College in Carlyle.Pa.

Loved by his Montanyards in Vietnam for his leadership, he was equally feared and respected, by the Chinese Communists.

Dr. Harrelson founded the Political Science Dept of the University of Baltimore.

He served as faculty advisor to the 5 Outstanding Harvard UN teams from from 1975-80. His delegations broke Harvard's record for awards ever given in the competition since they began 1920.

May The Grand Architect of The Universe, grant Joseph Harrelson eternal refreshment.

He truly granted relief, searched for the truth, met everyone on the level, and parted on the square.

All Harvard UN team members, Intel- Officers,& MAC-SOGers, are invited to donate personal stories for the Harvard Leadership movie in memory of Dr. Joseph Harrelson.

The world is a better place because of the Col.The USA is well guarded by his students.