George J. Harrison

Dr. George J. Harrison passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January, 7, 2025. Many will remember him for his striking white hair, tall stature, sartorial elegance, and booming voice. His mother often joked that he was “vaccinated with a phonograph needle” at a young age, and his command of language and perspicacity distinguished his adult life as a scholar and educator. His family and friends found warmth, wisdom, and humor in his expressive, larger-than-life personality. 

George was born on January 10, 1931, in New York City. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. During his service he married Barbara Donofrio. After his service with the GI Bill he attended and graduated with a BA from Iona College in New Rochelle. With the support of a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and Research Fellowship from Rutgers University in New Jersey, he graduated with a doctorate in Educational Philosophy and History of Education from that University. His research on the role of education in American society, particularly during the Great Depression, touched everything from Progressivism to the problems of Democracy in schools, the place of organized education in the American political economy, the philosophical foundations of education, academic freedom, and educational policies and practices.

George’s first appointment was as a professor at SUNY Plattsburgh, N.Y. He became a professor at Kent State University in 1967. He was a high-spirited teacher who brought rigor and an infectious enthusiasm to classes such as The School in Society. George left a lasting impression on his students, with many describing him as their favorite professor. George was on campus on May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard shot into a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators, killing and wounding students. He worked to build bridges between students, the university, and the community in the aftermath of that event. While at Kent State, George received a distinguished teaching award in 1985 and served as the speechwriter for the University’s president. He retired from the university in 1991. 

George and Barbara lived near campus, and George walked to and from work daily. The swinging sounds of Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Count Basie could often be heard by neighbors through the walls of their cozy house. For George, listening to music was an event, something to be enjoyed without distraction before dinner in the comfort of one’s slippers and with liner notes and a glass of sherry close at hand. George had an extensive record collection and his love of early jazz continues to be shared by his family. His aesthetic sensibilities and appreciation for artistic excellence extended to the visual arts—he was not shy about shedding a tear during his first encounter with Giotto’s frescoes at the Bardi chapel in Santa Croce. His particular regard for the art of the Italian Renaissance and Italian wine and food inspired him to make regular, extended trips to Italy with Barbara and, eventually, on one formative trip, his granddaughter. 

George thought seriously and sharply about the state of contemporary life, politics, and culture until his death. He had the laudable and increasingly uncommon ability to set partisan politics aside, maintaining robust personal and professional relationships with colleagues and family members whose views did not align with his own. He was a lifelong learner and voracious reader, subscribing to periodicals like Commonweal Magazine and The Nation. Trained in the Jesuit tradition at Xavier High School in Manhattan after winning a scholarship through a citywide oratorical contest, he approached his faith with intellectual rigor. He engaged in sophisticated philosophical debates about the place of religion, and the state of the Catholic Church, in a modern, secularizing world.

He prioritized time with his family and adored his wife of 67 years and his three children. His two granddaughters and their young children brought him endless pleasure. He never stopped taking great joy in food and drink, especially wine.

George brought a little New York to Northeast Ohio, always maintaining a distinctive accent and cosmopolitan sensibility. He, and that accent, are already deeply missed by his daughters, Janet Harrison and Alita Rogers (Rick); two granddaughters, Sarah Rogers Morris (Corbin) and Madeline Stull (Adam); four great grandchildren, Milo and Maxine Morris and Oliver and Charlotte Stull; and his sister, Pat Frederick. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene Harrison; wife, Barbara; son, Andrew Harrison; and son in law, Harvey Robb. Great appreciation goes to Angie Johnson and her caring team at Rockynol Senior Living and his devoted aid/friend Susan Murtha. 

Private services have taken place. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice. 

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240.