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JOHN HARBISON Obituary
JOHN F. X. HARBISON
On Tuesday, March 5, 2013; peacefully at his home in Ocean Pines, MD. Loving father of Mary Paige Harbison and Jack Harbison. He also leaves behind Beth McShulskis, his friend and former wife; brothers Dan, Patrick and Garry; sister Kathy Furr; 15 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister Mary Dennis Giroux. John was an accomplished artist and musician; dubbed "king of the open mike" by The Washington Post. He mentored and encouraged many musicians along the way. He was loved by all. Family will receive guests on Thursday, March 14, from 11 a.m. until Service at 12 noon at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Tenley Circle, Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children's National Medical Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN HARBISON
Sponsored by Paige and Jack Harbison.
EVE TAGLANG
August 8, 2025
My heart throb for years! Groupie, OK but devoted and loved his sensitivity. See you some day in a better place.
Eve
Mickey Meiklejohn
March 7, 2025
Miss you everyday Johnny! RIP my friend...
Mickey Meiklejohn
October 7, 2024
It's been over 11 years since the passing of John harbison. I play his music daily in my head, many wonderful memories through the years.
janet murphy
October 6, 2024
I used to go to the Pour House pub in DC cleveland Park just to hear Harbison Bond and Goddard
so excellent
Laura
January 26, 2023
We loved listening to your dad´s music at many local DC venues. He was a lovely man and so talented. I´m sure you miss him still. God bless you all.
Carole A.Baldwin DiLombardo
March 8, 2022
The world isn't the same...miss having you as my friend!!
Bob Hallwig
March 7, 2022
Still think of you every time I play guitar. And because of you I play everyday I can.
Gene
March 7, 2022
I talk of you often, Hohn - and do so again just the other day. We miss you dearly, my friend.
Jack Bond
March 7, 2022
....still miss him every time I step on stage ~
Bob H Walsh
March 7, 2021
Every time I pickup the guitar.... Bob Walsh
Bob H Walsh
October 18, 2020
I miss watching Football with you brother,, I pray for you frequently. God bless you... Bob Walsh
Arnold Smith
October 15, 2020
Back in 1991 John and I went to Denmark together for a month. We played music there at 17 different places. Trains, taxis, buses, ships, hotels, restaurants we were together 24/7 and never had one argument or bad feeling between us. He was a great human being. I miss you John Thanks for all the great memories.
Jack Bond
March 8, 2020
John and I, in our musical endeavors, many times sang the Beatles song IF I FELL, with his great high harmony... to this day, I cant sing it without him, so I just do it as an instrumental ... I play solo now, because NOBODY can replace him. ❤
Bob Walsh
March 7, 2020
Miss you Brother. Your infectious smile and kind soul are remembered every day. Bob W,
Joe Sexton
March 7, 2020
Still think about you John with many of my songs......rest in peace.
Les Hatley
March 26, 2019
I think about you, John, about your generosity, talent and kindness.
Bob 301-520-0230
March 25, 2019
Not a day goes by my friend..
Gene Monroe
March 14, 2019
I still miss you my friend. So many great times, great music and so much learning. You were one of a kind, and will never be forgotten.
Jack Bond
March 7, 2019
I met John in 1976, and we became musical soulmates for many years... I miss him all the time, musically and personally.
Joe Sexton
February 8, 2017
John, just discovered you left us...thanks for all the years and sets/opportunities/encouragement during the open mikes...allowed me to develop my career.....a selfless, and never critical man. Good man. Glad you enjoyed the Neil Young songs...I miss I believe I was Gallagher's to this day. Thanks for all you gave back to music. Rest in Peace
Kathleen Bartley
September 8, 2016
I didn't hear you had passed but I felt it. Thank you for your music and your kindness and generosity. My life is better for having known you.
Jack Harbison
July 14, 2015
Oh, hey. You did great, in life. You touched a thousand hearts with some to spare, and saw a great portion of this world. I guess it's my turn, now. Wish me luck!
Gene M
March 8, 2014
Miss you, buddy.
Joe Groomes
March 7, 2014
John, I cherish the short time I was privileged to hear your music. You and Jack were a tremendous influence on my music and I will never forget the awe that a young bartender at Eskimo Nell's felt every time I heard you play. Your music was tremendously influential in turning a strummer into a Travis picker. My version of Wayfaring Stranger in the Harbison and Bond style will forever be dedicated to you. May you rest in peace and bring your music to those who have preceded you and those to follow.
Joe Groomes
March 7, 2014
John, you are sorely missed and I will forever remember and cherish the influence that you and Jack had on my musical endeavors. I will never forget the brief time I had the privilege of listening to your enormous talent during the Eskimo Nell's days. My Travis picking version of Wayfaring Stranger will forever be dedicated to you. Rest In Peace and play for the souls who have preceded and will follow you. They will surely be comforted.
Len Jaffe
March 7, 2014
John, it hardly seems possible you've been gone a year. I'm counting on a special place where you are for all the DC musicians who have left us here. You're all missed by those you've left behind. RIP.
Carmen Koch
March 7, 2014
John, You touched so many hearts with your heart. I am blessed that you touched mine.
Carole Dilombardo
March 6, 2014
The brightest star in heaven!!
Les Hatley
March 6, 2014
John, your kindness and support has not, and will not, be forgotten.
Jack Bond
March 6, 2014
Johnny....I cherish the special connection we had...you are irreplaceable! ...seems I got some work to do here, but we shall play music again someday "out among the stars"!...Your generosity and talent is not forgotten!....hey, tell Ed Sullivan we'll do our 1st gig for him...& please put in a good word for me to Jesus!....
Bob Walsh
March 6, 2014
My friend..I value the time and adventures we had together. All the things you taught me, musically and life lessons. Allowing my family to become part of yours.Watching the Redskins with you and your great football insights are going to be missed so much. I miss and love you John..Bob.
Randy Auerbach
March 5, 2014
Though it was far too many years since last I saw John, it saddened me to hear the news of his passing. Only fond memories of John - my thoughts are with Kathy (who was my classmate)and the rest of the family.
November 24, 2013
John You are one of the gentlest Men I have ever know. I loved you the first time I met you and will always. I had one other that I cared about, by the name of John Gary. Both of you have always been my "Frank Sinatra", I am so shocked to find out you are in heaven now. The last time I got the pleasure of hearing you, was in OC, and we had such great fun with everyone there. So rest my dear friend and someday we will be sitting and listening to you serenade again. Love you to the Moon and enjoy the peace, With much love, Rita
November 10, 2013
I met John when I was about 19 or 20 years old. He headed up the local garage band "Minus Four" with the two Turner boys, Bill and John. Their Sister Nancy and I were older and sorely appreciated for our driving skills and transportation. We travelled all over the D.C. scene and cheered them on...whatever happened to all those guys??
Love and harmony, Sande Vivian--Buck's sister
Sheila Robbins
July 4, 2013
The purist voice I have ever heard. I will forever cherish our summer in Malibu.
Sooze Musumeci
March 30, 2013
I heard Piano Man by Billy Joel today and thought of you, John. Memories flood my head and a smile flickers across my face. Missing you and your music.
stu judd
March 29, 2013
Thanks, John, for giving us so many years of music and friendship! I miss you, but will continue to visit you through the music you left us!
George & Rita Heon
March 21, 2013
John,
Thank you for being such a good friend. We have so many wonderful memories which we will stay in our hearts.
Our condolences to your family.
Rest in peace.
Annie Saffell
March 19, 2013
I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each other's dreams, we can be together all the time.
Donald Bredice
March 18, 2013
Johnny, you're one of the good ones. It was a real honor to call you my friend. Rest in peace buddy
Tess Connor-Bredice
March 18, 2013
Johnny, you're in my heart and in my soul, where you have always been. Be at peace now "Do No Wrong".
Allen Perper
March 18, 2013
John, the memories of playing ball with you at Friendship playground will always be a treasure. While you were a ball player, i pretended to play third base. A calm, loving man you were and will be missed.
Annie Saffell Williams
March 18, 2013
I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each other's dreams, we can play together all night.
Annie Saffell Williams
March 18, 2013
Johnny you gave us so much love, laughter and memories to cherish. How blessed we all are to have known you. Your life, music and love leaves a memory no one can steal. I will miss you. Love, Annie
March 18, 2013
John,
Thank you for everything.
Thank you.
-Gene Monroe
Sarah Bonner
March 16, 2013
Will always remember you singing and playing the piano at the Far Inn. And all the wonderful music you made with Jack and Brian. My sincere condolences to your family.
Eric Goss
March 15, 2013
Right after college, while in a dead-end job and still living at home, John's Wednesday night open mike at Bullfeathers was one of the few pleasures in my life. He always found a way to fit my unusual choice of instrument (alto sax) into the program. I've met some big egos and difficult personalities on the open mike circuit, but I have nothing but good memories from my interactions with John.
Bob Carr
March 15, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Jackie Cox
March 14, 2013
Thanks for fun times in the good ole days. You will be missed!
Jenny Slease
March 14, 2013
God bless you, Uncle Johnny. Love and prayers
Joyce Ettingoff
March 14, 2013
Really enjoyed your music and enjoyed knowing you.
Jim and Eileen Roach
March 14, 2013
John, you will be really missed. Thanks for encouraging so many timid, fledgling & experienced musicians & for touching the hearts of so many - RIP.
Linda Adams
March 14, 2013
Eternal love and light to you Johnny. You were one of the kindest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Rest easy now.
Sooze Musumeci
March 13, 2013
The flame may be gone, but the warmth of the man lingers. Save a spot for us, John
Susan Musumeci
March 13, 2013
I wish I could be there to celebrate the life of John Harbison. I know time will make the hurt heart less painful and memories will make us all smile. You are sorely missed. God's peace and comfort to his family.
Joan Herron San Lwin
March 13, 2013
Johnny, I believe you now know how deeply you touched the hearts of everyone who knew you. Thanks for being.
Karen Laco-Breen
March 13, 2013
To our dear friend John; an extraordinarily talented musician and kind man. You left so much goodness here.You inspired all of us and connected so many of us through music and laughter and love.
You will live on through our friendships and music, and
genuine kindness. What an awesome teacher and friend you have been!
We are grateful!
Peace and Blessings
to you on your new journey.
Karen
Carole Lewald-Wagaman
March 13, 2013
My memories of John are of a kind gentle man who dearly loved his music and his family, and was loved in return by his closest friends, and those who came to listen to and enjoy his music.
Allen Tomlinson
March 13, 2013
I enjoyed John's music many times and always looked forward to hearing him & his band again. More than that, I always enjoyed chatting with him between sets. While we did lose one of the good ones here, hopefully, we do realize that we are better off having known him.
Bob Hallwig
March 13, 2013
John, For the countless hours of joy you brought to my life through music, listening, leaning, playing, I count myself truly blessed to have known you. You will be greatly missed. Thank you John, more than I can say. Rest in peace my friend, with God's blessing on you and comfort to your family.
Keith & Jacquie Badoud
March 13, 2013
We have so many happy memories and although we are so far away living in the UK we often think of our time together. Your could even make the Dirt Ball Band sound good!
Bob Walsh
March 13, 2013
Good bye my brother..can get you get me in?..love you. Bob.
Brian Gross
March 13, 2013
John, will miss you terribly, been 25 years since i first stumbled into one of your OMNs. You always put on a great show and you will missed by too many to count, God speed John
Jean Lowery
March 13, 2013
John ,I'm glad you were here ,if only, for a little while.We got to listen, laugh and share your friendship .You made Jr. High school in D.C., a lot more interesting.
I'll follow the sun.
Robin Desantis
March 13, 2013
In everyone's life there comes a person you will always remember and think about every now and again. John was that for me. He had a quick wit, good sense of humor, winning smile. Plus the fact he was an acomplished musician didn't hurt. I will always remember the Mulberry st., 3D and Far Inn days! God Bless him and his family.
Carole Baldwin- DiLombardo
March 13, 2013
John Harbison !!! As loud as could be as i walked into many a open mics !!!! So many happy memories!! You are still awesome!!! And one day when its my time, i will walk through the pearly white gates to heaven and as loud as can be." John Harbison " !!!! I will say!!! And sit down to enjoy your music!!
Rest in peace my friend!!!
Love to you, Carole
Jack Bond
March 13, 2013
Johnny... I am grateful and proud to have shared frienship, music and great memories with you over these years...there will never be another you!... RIP, My Friend...
Len Jaffe
March 13, 2013
John, you've left a gaping hole in the music community that will not be easily filled again anytime soon. You will be missed by lots of folks your kindness touched. Rest in peace, my friend.
Dan Harbison
March 13, 2013
I love you, Brother!!!
Gale OLaughlin
March 13, 2013
John, I am blessed that I knew you throughout my teen years and later when I worked at Mr. Henry's and The Far Inn. You touched so many people and will always be in their hearts.We all loved you so much.
RIP my friend.
Lynn Beach
March 13, 2013
I will truly miss my dear friend. You will always live in the hearts and memories of so many of us. My prayers and condolences to your family and children. Love you always.
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