Joseph Harrison Jr., M.D.

Joseph Harrison, Jr. Joseph Harrison, Jr., M.D., a Bryn Mawr physician, died on October 10, 2010 in Rosemont, PA, at the age of 91. Dr. Harrison was born in Norristown, the son of the late Joseph Harrison and Ada Dear Harrison. He graduated from Norristown High School, after which he spent one year at Franklin & Marshall Academy before enrolling in Ursinus College. Dr. Harrison then attended Temple Medical School, graduating in 1944. He did his internship at Bryn Mawr Hospital from 1944-45. In June, 1945, he was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy, serving both on a small seaplane tender and with Destroyer Squadron #22 in the Atlantic. Upon his return to civilian life, he became Chief Medical Resident at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Dr. Harrison started his private practice in Bryn Mawr in 1948. Then in 1952 he was recalled into active Naval service and served first at the Naval Recruiting Center in New York City, followed by one year with the 1st Marine Division in Korea. Upon completion of his tour of duty, being discharged as Lieutenant Commander, he returned to Bryn Mawr and again took up his medical practice. Dr. Harrison was also employed by Wyeth Laboratories in Radnor as Medical Director, being responsible for the medical departments of all Wyeth domestic and international units. He retired from Wyeth in 1985, after 29 years of service. After retirement from Wyeth he maintained a small medical practice and had also served as a Medical Officer at Indian Reservation Medical Clinics in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nevada. Also, he spent time in a rural clinic in Laporte, PA, as a preceptor over senior students from the Osteopathic Medical School in Philadelphia. In addition to his practice of medicine, he found time to become a high school football official, officiating in both Pennsylvania and Delaware. He also was a member of St. Davids Golf Club and the 1st Marine Division Association. During his long medical career, Dr. Harrison was a member of the Medical Staff of Bryn Mawr Hospital, the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Montgomery County Medical Society, and was a Fellow of The Occupational Medical Association. He is survived by a son, David L. Harrison of Downingtown; a daughter, Barbara Heaton (David) of Narberth; a daughter-in-law, Karen Melikian Harrison of Gladwyne; four grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Carol F. McMenamin of Rosemont. He was predeceased by a son, Joseph P. Harrison. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 23 at 10:30 AM at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 226 Righters Mill Road, Gladwyne. A reception will follow. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to the Joseph Harrison, Jr., M.D. Award Fund of Ursinus College, P.O. Box 1000, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426-1000.