John Henry Harvey passed away on June 28, 2023, in his home in Lebanon, PA.
John was born May 8, 1948, in Meshoppen, PA, to parents, John Henry Harvey and Ella Elaine Mann Harvey.
Raised in Lebanon, he signed up for the U.S. Army as soon as he graduated high school. John served valiantly in Vietnam and Korea, earning a number of awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His love of country continued as he served in the U.S. National Guard in a financial battalion. He was called back into active duty, where he served stateside during Desert Storm. His passion for helping others was proven daily as he worked for years as a case manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare. John was an ardent supporter of the Democratic Party and was committed to social justice and equity for all.
Many of his friends and neighbors knew John as a colorful character who constantly walked with his devoted sidekick, Roxanne, meeting people from across Lebanon. But since John rarely talked about himself, they probably never realized that he held a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Millersville University and a master’s degree in theology from Meadville Lombard Theology Seminary in Chicago. John was a brilliant man with an extensive library of books. He embraced technology and pushed himself always to learn new things. He generously supported Amnesty International, The Sierra Club, the SPCA, and the Democratic Party. While he didn’t speak much about himself, his actions spoke volumes.
John leaves behind his best friend, Roxanne, a sweet pit bull mix; sister, Susan Dubuque, of Richmond, VA, and her husband, Robert Dahlberg; sister, Bonita Bowman, of Lebanon, and her husband, John Bowman; and nephew, Nicholas Dubuque, and his wife, Tabatha. Special thanks are extended to John’s friends Tina, Paul, Melissa, and Todd, who have adopted Roxanne as their own.
A military service with honors will be held July 28, 2023, from 1 to 1:30 pm at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Christman’s Funeral Home in Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the ASPCA, The Sierra Club, Amnesty International, or any organization that promotes human rights or animal protection.
