Vincent Paul Harrison, 88, died the morning of Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, after a long fight with heart and respiratory issues. Paul, or "Bucky," lived a long, fulfilling life. As a lifelong writer, Paul wrote his own obituary that we share with you today. We will always love you and will always remember to take the time to play Monopoly and do our best to find the restaurants with the white tablecloths in honor of you. Love always, Jean, Tom, Dan, Diane, Cliff, Robbie, Kelsey, Steven, Kyle, Hannah, Katie Rose and Evie. "I was a writer, so I think I should sign off as a writer. I am hoping I helped to make the lives of my family, especially Jeannie, the love of my life, happy enough to remember me. I'm also hoping that my 26 years as the director of the Carrick High School Alumni Association gave some joy to many who remembered their wonderful high school days. Oh, I didn't tell you? My time on this Earth ended at 88 years Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. I did not want a viewing because I wanted everyone to remember me as I was (when I was 25). I really enjoyed writing and publishing almost 100 issues of the Alumni Carrickulum newsletters and the 75th anniversary book. My most exciting efforts were building the Carrick High Veterans Wall, the Alumni Wall and the Sports Wall of Fame. I met hundreds of Carrick High alumni and students and was honored to be the only Carrick graduate to have my plaque hung in the hall of the original school. As a veteran of the Korean War, I spent 13 months in Korea with the Army with the First Cavalry Division. Recently, I found that the VA had some of the finest medical assistance for veterans. I want to thank the readers of the South Hills (Hill Top) Record weekly newspaper, of which I was proud to be the editor and then later the owner and publisher in the 1960s. In the 70s, I was a representative of the NW Ayer Advertising Agency and in the 1980s and the early 90s I was the membership/events manager of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, where we set fabulous records that have never been topped. Thank you to the Rev. Canon James D. Shoucair who helped me meet my God (I hope He likes me). The closest people in my life were my beautiful wife, Jean; my outstanding kids, Tom, Dan and Diane; my son-in-law, Cliff; and my grandchildren, Rob, Kelsey, Steven, Kyle, Hannah, Katie Rose and Evie. Got to sign off 'cause my cloud is beeping for me at St. Peter's gate. Always remember: Live each day as if it were your last. And when it is your last, I'll be seeing you."
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Published by South Hills Record on Sep. 5, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Vincent Harrison

Sponsored by Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd..

5 Entries

Ron Wertel

April 5, 2020

About 25 years ago when I told a fellow Carrickter there was an alumni newsletter for our old school, he said, Gee, arent they going to run out of things to write about? Well, they sure didnt. Almost singlehandedly under Pauls hand, his creation, the Alumni Carrickulum, was jam packed with news of our classmates, teachers, and staff. His notices of upcoming reunions were a great asset to the organizers in getting out the word, and the reviews and pictures of those and other alumni gatherings were entertaining. He included news and pictures of Carrick Highs evolution from the smallest in Pittsburgh to the largest, and other news of the burgh which were of interest to those of us who had moved hither and yon. No other high school I know of had anything like the Alumni Carrickulum. Many of us looked forward to every issue.

Gathering information on alumni, Paul became aware of the accomplishments of many, resulting in personality profiles and the establishment of the distinguished alumni and athlete awards. He oversaw those awards in addition to the veterans walk and the alumni and sports walls of fame all fundraisers for the benefit of the school. He made many award presentations at reunions and special ceremonies, and he conducted tours of the expanded CHS, even when he was fighting his health issues. No, Paul never ran out of things to write about - or things to do - for the school. He was full of energy and talent. Im sure Patrick Passanante is right that Bucky has started a newsletter in heaven.

Ron Wertel, CHS 58
Wayne, PA

Don McCormick

October 29, 2019

I was very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He and I had worked together on a few alumni related projects, Paul was the main drive behind the CARRICK HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jean and family....we will remember Paul forever!

Marilyn Deckmann

August 26, 2019

Jean, my sympathy to you and your family. My late husband, Richard, was a proud Carrick Alumnus and always spoke fondly of Bucky. I and my sons have been to the Alumni Wall several times - a wonderful place to visit. We and many others are grateful to Bucky for all the work he did on behalf of the Alumni.
Marilyn Deckmann (Perry '51)

August 25, 2019

Dear Paul,
May you rest in heavenly peace. Thank you for all the wonderful Carrickter Newsletters throughout the years, you are missed.
Sincerely,
Donna "Mazzarini" Palladino
CHS Class of 1975

Patrick Passanante

August 25, 2019

Bucky, is an example of a life well lived. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. His passing is a big loss for all CHS Alumni. Bucky, has already started a monthly newsletter in heaven!

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