You are here

Death in our diocesan family: Allan W. Harriman

Candles

With sadness we share the news of the death of Allan W. Harriman, 84, peacefully at his home on November 29, 2017. He was the husband of the Rev. Deacon Barbara Harriman, who serves at Christ Church, Pompton Lakes.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018, 11 AM at Christ Church. Visitation will be on Friday, January 5, 6-9 PM, also at Christ Church. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Upper Darby, PA, among dear family members already there.

Born on February 16, 1933 in Sioux City, Iowa, Al was the son of Walter F. Harriman, M.D. and Mildred B. (Allan) Harriman, a registered nurse. After the untimely death of his father when Al was 11, the family moved to Upper Darby, PA.

After graduating from high school in 1951, Allan enlisted in the Army where he became a helicopter crew chief on transport helicopters. Upon completing his service, he attended Brown Preparatory in Philadelphia for one year, then attended Pennsylvania Military College in Chester, PA (now known as Widener University) with the help of the G.I. Bill and while working nights as a garage mechanic. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in Business Administration and later completed some graduate work at West Chester University.

In 1959 Al met the love of his life, Barbara Wurster, and they were married in September of that year.

Al was an executive for Mercedes-Benz of North America and, after retirement, he and Barbara established a Mercedes Benz dealership in Escondido, CA.

Al was an avid small plane pilot, loved tennis and golf, and volunteered in many places including the Coast Guard Auxiliary and The Valley Hospital. Having been employed in the automotive business since the age of 14, he could fix anything. He especially loved spending time with family.

In addition to Barbara, his wife of 58 years, Al is survived by their three children, Allan Harriman, Trish Beck and Tim Harriman; seven granddaughters; and a younger brother, Ben Harriman, M.D.

Condolences may be sent to Barbara Harriman at 144 Old Woods Court, Mahwah, NJ 07430.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church, Pompton Lakes. Please include on the memo line that the donation is for the Al Harriman Memorial.

Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. Lord, grant eternal rest, forever in the radiance of your light. Amen.