Walter M. Harrison, Jr.

In Loving Memory of Walter Macon Harrison, Jr.

A Life Well Lived and Loved

Walter Macon Harrison, Jr., an accomplished athlete and devoted educator with an entrepreneurial work ethic, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of passion, hard work and love.

Walter was born on September 10, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York, to Eleanor Taylor and Walter Macon Harrison. He and his siblings, James, Edna, and John (Loretta came later), lived in Eastern Moriche, Long Island during their early years, and later moved to Brooklyn where they resided on Ocean Avenue across the street from Prospect Park. A promising athlete from a young age, Walter attended Erasmus Hall High School and earned distinction as an All-City Football player. His talent on the field and dedication to his studies earned him a scholarship to Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, New York. He was the first in his family to attend college, where he continued to excel both academically and athletically.

While a history and political science major, Walter earned four letters in Varsity football and was one of Hobart’s all-time great running backs. He earned All-American honors for the 1955 and 1956 seasons and captained the 1956 team leading them to a 7-1 record. During his college career he carried the ball for the Statesman, leading the team to an impressive win loss record of 26-3-1 over the seasons of 1953,1954,1955 and 1956. This stretch included the undefeated season of 8 to 0 in 1954. As a junior, he set the Hobart rushing record for career yards at 2071. During this time, he also received the Alumni Award for the Team’s Most Valuable Player. Though rumored to have professional football potential, Walter played for the Golden Knights, a semi-pro football team in Brooklyn, for many years.

Walter had many loves. He first married in 1956 during his junior year at Hobart. He and his wife Noreen had their first child, Carol, that year before he graduated in 1957. In 1958 Michael G. was born and the family moved to the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. Back home, Walter embarked on a career that reflected multifaceted interests. He worked for the Equitable Life Insurance Company, ran a real estate office, and managed a couple of retail stores. It was while managing real estate that Walter met Maria with whom he had a set of twins, Michael and Michelle, in 1965. Walter found love again and settled down with Carmen McCoy with whom he raised their daughter Skye who was born in 1988.

As far as career pursuits, Walter found his true calling in education in the late sixties. As a teacher of science and physical education at P.S. 21 in Brooklyn, he inspired countless students with his enthusiasm, knowledge, and compassion. Walter’s commitment to youth extended beyond the classroom. He directed a highly regarded community youth program and supervised a drug prevention initiative for young adults; contributions that led to recognition and gratitude from multiple Brooklyn families. His efforts shaped young lives, instilling values of perseverance, responsibility, and hope for the future. Walter had an uncanny ability to squeeze more than 24 hours out of a day. While teaching, he began working at the US Post Office in various positions including letter carrier.

In recognition of his athletic achievements and contributions, Walter was finally inducted into the Hobart Hall of Fame in 2002, a testament to his enduring impact on and off the field.

Despite having 2 full time jobs, he found time to enjoy life. He frequently traveled with his family, including both his brother and sister, to destinations across the United States and in Europe, and Mexico. He loved a good card game, party, BBQ, formal affair or any other opportunity to be with family. He was jovial, though sometimes could be a rascal, (especially playing cards) but his love was infectious and lifted the spirits of those around him. He was forward thinking and accepting of different lifestyles. A man who encouraged his children not to limit themselves, but to pursue sometimes non-traditional careers. The loss of Carmen, at such a young age, greatly affected his very being! He became spiritual, often praying multiple times a day. Through it all he said he was happy! He had always said he thought he would die young and was grateful for having what he said was a full life, raving about having sailed on the Queen Mary, and having children who shook hands with Presidents.

Walter Harrison will be remembered for his athleticism, dedication to family, and love of life. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love him.

He will be deeply missed.

He leaves his brother, James, his only living sibling, and his only surviving wife, Noreen, along with his children and their spouses: Carol and Roland, Michael G. and Justine, Michelle Harrison, Michael J. and Dr. Janice, and Skye ; his grandchildren and their spouses Taylor and James, Ellington and Mina; Ryan, Brent and Stephanie, Ashley and Frank, and Kevin; Melissa and Nowell, Shelby and Jennifer, Danny and Jenny, Kendall, Yesenia, and Chancellor; Michael J. II and Chavanna, Destinee, and Raven; Yeremia, Amani and Preston; and great-grandchildren Etienne; Cameron and Cameera; Jada and Mila; Joell, Brianna, Frank, and McKenzie; Jullian, Keyls, Kendrick, Kaven, Keva, Kamarri, Jamarri, Kavarri, Keyarri and Seven; Shaylee, Michelle, Julius, Nevaeh, Noah, Mila, Leah, Maddox, Nayeli and Zy Aire; Aniyah, and Michael J. III.

The Family Thanks You for Your Prayers, Flowers, and Other Acts of Kindness.