Michael Harrity Obituary

Julie and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Wishing you Gods'Peace.
Frank & Kathy Clark and Family

Dear Harrity Family and Mrs. D,

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of "Uncle Mickey"...he was a great guy. I wanted, so much, to share a few stories with you at the wake but alas snow on the way back from a trip "up North" on Monday caused us to get home too late.

Suffice it to say I have many fond memories of Uncle Mickey at Delahanty parties, at Maryville Chuckwagon's past and bumping into him from time to time.

I am sorry he had to suffer so much and am glad that he is now looking down on all of us!

Bless you all,

Danny McGuire III

Mr. Harrity had the character of 100 men.
His smile, strength and dignity will always be remembered.
It is an honor to have known him.
My thoughts and prayers are with him and the Harrity family.
GOD BLESS...

Harritty family,
thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May he be smiling down upon you as you always keep him in your thoughts.
Brian McKermitt

Mickey, Pat, Sean, Katie and Family,

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. We know he'll be missed.

John and Colleen Jerger

DAD
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Psalm 3:3 NIV

The past several days have been filled with stories of my dad. We have had many occasions to recall the life and times of Mike Harrity, who has knocked on deaths door many times over these past many years. We can be grateful that God has managed to keep him alive against all odds far longer than perhaps most of us expected. And yet, even with his myriad health problems his sudden passing comes as a shock filled with sorrow. As we explore our emotions and think about the times gone by there is much to recall, much to reflect on, and much to remember. And as my cousin Lisa who this year survived a plane crash into the Hudson River said, “It is important to remember the good times”.

My dad has been blessed by many who loved him, by many who looked to him for leadership, and by a God who saw fit to keep him alive and in our lives. I think it is with good reason. My earliest reflection of my dad is that he was a hard working man. He was the first to rise in the morning and back in the day, maybe the last to go to bed. He was a tough man who instilled a sense of discipline. He was a courageous man who took on a world of responsibility in raising a of family of seven. He was a funny man who enjoyed a good laugh and a tall tale. He was a boisterous man who never held back on his opinion. He was a lucky man to have a sea of humanity to surround him. He was a loving man who enjoyed his many grandchildren. He was a Notre Dame fan yearning for the next Irish victory. He was a coach and thereby a teacher of many, he was a husband, brother, a cousin, an uncle, a friend, and most of all he was a dad.

I am a father now with two small boys and have a poignant sense of the huge responsibility of raising kids. I know the long nights of worry, I know the moments of joy, I know secret hopes held fast in my heart that all will be well with my children. My dad knew all this too and told me recently, “enjoy the good times they go by fast… but it is a long journey”. I was struck by the comment. How well I know the eternal hours nursing a small child through a fever at night and praying that recovering will come swiftly. How well I know the struggle and strife of hoping that ends will meet and that all will be provided for. And how well I know that the responsibility of raising a family is much more than I feel I was ever prepared for. And how well my dad knew that the path is not without struggles, and strife, and myriad challenges with unknown outcomes and in the end unknown blessings.

The blessings I received from my dad are remarkable to me. I have learned to jump when told to and only ask “how high?” I have learned to “do things right the first time or not do them at all.” I have learned to keep my shoulder to the wheel and my nose to the grindstone. I know “what bull s*@t is and I’ll tell you why.” I have learned that I have a great capacity to bear all burdens and go forth even when life hands me some tough cards to deal with.

These last fifteen years or so have been real tough cards for my dad. He faced diabolical health problems that impacted the quality of his life. He marched on despite these maladies and managed to overcome many obstacles. There is a lot to be learned from his journey. Perhaps most important of all is that there are a world of people around us who love us, who care about us, who accept us for who we are…just the way we are.

My dad fought the good fight, was a red-blooded American, and touched many lives. He impacted us all in many ways not soon to be forgotten. He will live on in the many stories that made us laugh, the sayings and quips that we will quote for many years to come, and of course the many Harrity’s who will all go on in our own personal journeys. Dad will remain in our hearts, and in our memories as we look back with fondness, with a smile, and with some laughter as we recall the days of his life.

I am sure that he wishes that the journey would be longer; he began to miss us long before he departed. He recalled the good times of his life and we are the ones who he recalled. In his own way he loved us. As much as we wished he’d be here longer he has gone on to his new reward. He has gone to a Father in heaven who loves him, who calls him His own but it is with sorrow we must hear our dad say… “Seaner, the eggs are done.”

Our sympathies to the entire Harrity Family. You are such a strong bonded family that you will help each other through this time. That is a testament to your father's legacy. If any of you need anything, you know to just give a shot out over the fence....
- The Murdach's

Kathy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and happiness in your memories and find strength in your family and friends. God bless you.

Andy & Maureen Barganski & family

Deepest sympathy to my softball buddies Pat, Sean, Mickey, and Family.
May God bless you all in this time of sorrow. I know your dad will be missed.

Dear Kathy,
I'm sending you and your family my deepest sympathies. Mickey was a very loving and wonderful godfather. Even though life takes us in different directions, family is never far from your heart. My prayers are with you and Mickey will be missed.
Love,
Julie (Rieger) Zeien

Our deepest condolences to the Harrity family, our thoughts and prayers are with you,
I am sure he will be right there next to Touchdown Jesus cheering on the Irish!

Kathy:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Mickey was a great person and will be missed dearly.
Love,
JaneAnn(Rieger) Woods

Carolyn and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. From your friends and coworkers at PURAC.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Harritys during this difficult time.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Papa~
Your girls love you and will miss you! Give Prancer a kiss for us in heaven!

Katelyn Maggie and Sarah

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sorry for your loss. All of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob and Gayle Pillion

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.