Joseph G Harkins

Joseph G. Harkins, 76, passed away Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024, at his residence. He was the husband of Lisa M. (Grafton) Harkins to whom he had been married for 45 years. Born February 22, 1948, in York, PA, he was the son of the late Henry W. Harkins and Anna Mae (Smith) Harkins. He was known to many as “Disco Joe,” a nickname given to him for his legendary dance moves. Joseph was a 1966 graduate of York Catholic High School and attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Spring Grove, PA. After moving to Georgia in 2021, he attended Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta. Throughout his life, Joseph’s unwavering faith, resilience, and kind-hearted spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him. Joseph proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966-1970. He was stationed in Duluth, Minnesota with time spent in the Vietnam War, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He was a lifetime member of the West York Memorial Post 8951 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He retired after many years as a dispatcher for Overnight Transportation, and he enjoyed his time as a basketball referee with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.Joseph is survived by his wife, Lisa; son, Joseph M. Harkins; daughter, Laura E. (Harkins) Kelly and husband, Patrick; sister, Deanna (Harkins) Letendre, and husband, Ralph; sister, Patricia (Harkins) Sanderson; daughter-in-law, Debbie Brander; grandchildren, Madison Harkins, Trey Harkins, Daniel Richards, Maycee Brander, Beau Brander, and Ava Kelly; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by son, Lance J. Harkins; brothers, Michael Harkins and Harry Harkins; sister, Ethel Harkins; brother-in-law, Robert Sanderson; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Harkins. Funeral mass is being held at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Road, Marietta, GA 30066, at 11am on Saturday, May 25th, 2024. Viewing at 10am. Burial will be in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Tuesday, May 28th at 10:30am. Southern Cremations & Funerals, Marietta, GA, is assisting with arrangements