Harry W. Fatkin

Harry Whilldin Fatkin died peacefully on December 21, 2025 at Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA. He was the son of the late Harry and Anna Fatkin. He was a resident of Concord for fifty years.
Harry was born in Westville, New Jersey on March 18, 1936. He graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School class of 1953. He earned a degree from Villanova University in electrical engineering and completed a master's degree in industrial engineering from Yale.
He began his career at General Electric and subsequently went to work for Polaroid. He was offered a position as general manager at a Polaroid Europa plant in Holland and lived there for a few years. He fondly remembered his time there and maintained friendships over the years. He retired from Polaroid in 1996 as Vice President for Health, Safety and Environment. He was proud of his work to reduce toxic waste and forge relationships with environmental groups.
When Harry graduated from high school, he was voted most likely to succeed and was disappointed that he was not chosen as class clown. That statement captures a lot about Harry; he was both smart and funny. He liked to banter and he was good at that.
Harry was a meticulous planner. He excelled at giving detailed instructions whether needed or not. He called himself Mr. Flex believing that he was very flexible. It was a blind spot that we could laugh about.
His interests included religion, politics, theatre, and movies. He was spiritual, and listened to scripture readings daily. He was critical of the hierarchy but strongly committed to his Catholic faith. He had an interest in politics and leaned liberal. He was a theater goer; traveling to New York City for any reason was an excuse to enjoy the "Magic of Broadway". He was a charter member of American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge and appreciated the edginess of many of their productions. He was also a movie goer. He would go at off prime time, often sitting in a theater that was almost empty and immersing himself in the story. He never read reviews till he saw the movie. One of his nephews said he gave equal credence to the High Brow, the Low Brow, and the Uncomfortably Outre.
Harry was a sports fan. He embraced the Boston Teams--held season tickets to the Red Sox for many years; rooted for the Patriots and Celtics. A fall tradition was a trip to West Point, attending football games and tailgating with his "Uncle Jack". He also followed Villanova basketball, always the faithful alumnus. His last night at home before his final illness he was enjoying college football on TV.
Harry was the curator of the family by carefully creating a photojournalism calendar celebrating each one of his family members as a Christmas gift each year. This tradition will be continued by the family in his memory.
In the mid 1980's Harry went searching for a getaway place. He found a rustic cabin in Washington, New Hampshire on a pond with views of the mountains. He loved peace and tranquility. The next generation enjoyed swimming in the pond, paddling in the canoe, exploring, and connecting with nature. It gave him great joy to share this beautiful spot. Harry loved martinis. His favorite place to enjoy one was on the dock with his brother-in-law, Tom. Drinking martinis on the dock will continue, raising a toast to Harry. He would love that.
Harry was predeceased by his first wife, Betty Bogino and his daughter Jennifer. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Liston; his son Harry; his sister Anne Heim and her husband Tom; his granddaughter Christina Lane and husband Brandon; his grandson Malcolm Holteen; his great grandchildren Landon DeLong and Rylan Lane; his brother and sister-in-laws Bob and Christine Bogino, Margaret and Joe Warren, Michael Liston. Harry leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Family and friends will gather for a period of visitation in Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Monday, December 29 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Harry's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial will take place in the spring in Washington, NH. Please click here to view the church live stream, for those who wish to attend the Mass remotely.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Harry's memory may be made to Gloucester Catholic High School, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester, New Jersey 08030 or to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.