Thomas James "Tom" Harbison

Thomas James "Tom" Harbison obituary, Newport, VT

Thomas James "Tom" Harbison

Thomas Harbison Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 8, 2023.
Thomas "Tom" James Harbison, a true champion in life, has bid farewell to this world on October 1, 2023, at the age of 73. Born on November 13, 1949, in Philadelphia, Tom's journey was filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of plumbing!

Tom, a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Todd-Harbison, for nearly five decades, knew the secret to a strong union-tightening those connections every day. He worked his pipe-fitting magic for over 35 years at the Plumbers Union of Philadelphia Local 690, leaving no leak unattended and no clog unbeaten.

But Tom's passion extended far beyond the world of pipes and wrenches. He was a proud family man, a master of dad jokes, and a loving father to Tommy Jr, Tod, and Elizabeth. With his wife by his side, they built a legacy that included 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren-a true testament to the power of love and a lot of love-making!

Tom's heart belonged to Philadelphia, and so did his sports allegiance. Cheering on the Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles was his game-day ritual. Even on his last day, after an exciting Eagles victory, he closed his eyes, knowing he had given his all for his beloved team.

Survived by his son Tod Harbison and wife Sarah of Newport, VT, his daughter Elizabeth Murria and husband Jorge of Bensalem, PA, and a whole squad of siblings-Susan, Mary Ellen, Bill and Linda, Elizabeth and Thomas, Dan and Kathy, and Rita and Jim-Tom's family was his pride and joy. Together, they created a symphony of love, laughter, and occasional sibling rivalries.

He now joins his wife Elizabeth, his parents James and Ligouri, sister Theresa, brother Jimmy, and his son Thomas Harbison Jr, in the eternal plumbing paradise.

From St. Thomas Aquinas of Croydon to Connell-Egan of Fairless Hills, Tom's educational journey laid the foundation for a life filled with knowledge, curiosity, and the occasional toilet humor.

In honor of Tom's vibrant spirit, a celebration of life will be planned at a later date, to be announced in December. It will be a gathering of close family members and lifelong friends, where stories will flow like water and memories will be cherished like precious gems.

Thomas James Harbison, a man who knew how to fix both pipes and hearts, will forever be remembered for his infectious laughter, his love for family, and his unwavering dedication. As we bid him adieu, we know that he's now plumbing the depths of heavenly happiness.

Rest in peace, Tom. May your jokes continue to echo through the halls of eternity, bringing smiles to the faces of angels.

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

Sign Thomas Harbison's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 9, 2023

Joe Sgrillo- Plumber's Local 690 posted to the memorial.

October 9, 2023

Mike Taggart posted to the memorial.

October 9, 2023

Timothy Brooks posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Joe Sgrillo- Plumber's Local 690

October 9, 2023

Rest easy my Union Brother & may God bless your Family and Friends.

Mike Taggart

October 9, 2023

R.I.P. brother tom, apprenticed together, laughed together. One of the nicest guys you could meet

Timothy Brooks

October 9, 2023

I remember racing him at Council Rock Elementary School, putting in classroom sinks. Needless to say he smoked me....amazing Plumber and father.

Debbie Bejzak

October 9, 2023

I remember meeting Tom as a teenager when he started dating Liz. They were so young He was a great guy with not too much to say lol he and Liz were together for many many years and I´m glad that they are now back together. He also was a wonderful son-in-law and he took care of my mom in her final years when Liz was still working. I´ll be forever grateful to him for that!

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Sign Thomas Harbison's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 9, 2023

Joe Sgrillo- Plumber's Local 690 posted to the memorial.

October 9, 2023

Mike Taggart posted to the memorial.

October 9, 2023

Timothy Brooks posted to the memorial.