Joseph Gerard Harkness, age 69, originally from Rochester, NY passed away on September 12, 2023 in Cedar Park, Texas.
Joseph was born on November 25, 1953 in Batavia, NY to Antoinette and Edward Harkness.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Virginia Porter Harkness, his two daughters, Rebecca Harkness and granddaughter Natalie Nancy Harkness of Whittier, CA and Amanda Jones and her husband Christopher of Bridgeport, Texas. He also leaves behind his sister, Mary Anne Harkness of Batavia, NY, and several extended family members. Joseph was predeceased by his parents.
Joseph graduated from Batavia High School in 1971 and entered the U.S. Army serving honorably from December 1972-December 1975. Upon his discharge he earned an A.A.S. degree in Computer Programming from Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY.
Joseph had a successful career, working for Eastman Kodak Company for 24 years and ITT Geospatial Systems for 6 years before retiring in July 2010.
He was an active member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili in Rochester, NY. He was also a member of Rochester Chapter 20 Vietnam Veterans of America and served on its board of directors for several years before moving to Texas in 2019. He was a well-respected softball umpire during the 1980’s and 1990’s for Kodak, Chili, and Gates leagues. He served as treasurer for the local leagues for some time. He was an avid jogger and swimmer. He took much pride in his physical fitness. He was kind to whomever he met, a hardworking employee, honest, dedicated and faithful.
A celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Chili located at 3600 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624. The service will begin at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Chili or the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter, 200 Meridian Center Blvd. Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618.
