John William Harney's Obituary
John William HarneyLoyal Giants fan, family man, brewer, and gardener, John William Harney passed away on January 28, 2016 at the age of 84. Born in San Francisco, CA, John attended Mission High School and graduated in 1949. As a young man, his hobbies were boxing, weightlifting, and working on and driving his car. He married the love of his life, Darlene Y. Westmoreland, in 1952.John was proud to be from Potrero Hill, where he met a group of lifelong friends who called themselves the Panthers, including Louie Leblanc, whom he loved like a brother. John started his career at Kodak and then joined Lucky Lager Brewing Company where he worked as a brewer and supervisor for over 25 years. He moved on to Coca-Cola and Matagrano Inc. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He retired in 1995.He enjoyed planting his vegetable garden each year, going to the ballpark to see his Giants, decorating the house for Halloween and other holidays, and hosting family gatherings, especially St. Patrick’s Day dinner. John had a keen ability to recognize faces and remember names. This would often lead to his animated telling of a story that had been long since forgotten. He will be remembered for the twinkle in his eyes, his playful nature, and his infectious laugh, but mostly for how very much he loved his family.John is survived by his children, John Jr. of Los Altos Hills, CA and his wife Elaine, Michael of Atlanta, GA and his wife Dale, Scott of Ben Lomond, CA, and Katy and her partner Jennifer Johnson; his seven grandchildren, Shannon, Anna, Stella, Tyler, Jaden, Ramsey, and Lexington; his sister, Julia Buckingham; and his beloved cat Cisco. He was preceded in death by his wife Darlene; his daughter Amy; his parents John Patrick and Margaret Mary Harney; and his siblings George Harney, Margaret Harney, and Norine Isaacson.A service will be held on February 5 at 10:30 am at Skylawn Funeral Home, located on Highway 92 at Route 35, San Mateo, CA 94402. There will be a reception following the service at 12117 Foothill Lane, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association (www.donatenow.heart.org) or the COPD Foundation (www.copdfoundation.org).
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