Thomas J. Harkin Jr.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

A graveside service will follow at the Harkin family plot at 2:00 PM in Hurley Cemetery with Rev. Charles Stickley officiating.

Thomas J. Harkin Jr . of Hurley passed away on February 1, 2024 at the age of 90. Born in Poughkeepsie N.Y. on January 27, 1934 to Thomas and Hazel Harkin. After graduating from Arlington High School in 1951 he attended RPI prior to joining IBM Poughkeepsie in 1954 transferring to the new Kingston facility shortly thereafter. During his tenure at Kingston he held several management positions. It was during this time that he met and married his wife Ruth who was a secretary at the time.

Later, while on a temporary Headquarters development assignment he was asked to join IBM's
Executive loan program providing consulting services to the Trooper Foundation at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, N.Y. There he guided the development and implementation of a Management Development program for all supervisory levels within the NYSP organization. At the request of the NYSP Superintendent he also organized and guided a conference with NYSP senior and executive supervisors to address key issues and concerns within the organization resulting in several operational changes.

Retiring from IBM in 1988 after 34 years he continued as a consultant when needed. Shortly after, Tom obtained a Real Estate brokers license which allowed him to work in a profession he had always been interested in but never had time to pursue. Tom and his wife Ruth helped care for two pre-school grandsons which afforded many pleasant memories. He and his wife also traveled by motorhome over a fourteen-year period throughout the U.S. and Canada visiting the West Coast family and almost all National monuments and parks, truly a highlight of retirement.

Tom was a longtime member of the Hurley Reformed Church where he served as both Deacon and Elder. Over the years he also served as Chairman of the Hurley Planning board, volunteered his time to drive cancer patients to their treatment appointments and served on the board of the Hudson Valley Senior Residence. Tom was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club and a past member of the Morgan Hill Game Association. He loved his family and enjoyed watching them grow and prosper.

Survived by sons Steven and his wife Dayleen of Vancouver, WA; William and his wife Connie of Cottekill, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Amanda, Jennifer, Kyle and Daniel. His loving wife of 62 years predeceased him in 2019.

In lieu of flowers,donations may be made to the Hurley Reformed Church, St. Judes Research Hospital, Make a wish Foundation Hudson Valley, Alzheimers Association of Hudson Valley or a charity of choice.