Donald C. Harnish

Donald C. Harnish, 76, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026. Born on November 9, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to Irene and Delbert Harnish, Don grew up with a deep sense of responsibility, curiosity, and quiet determination that guided him throughout his life.

His years of service took him around the world. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in August 1967, and spending a year with Company B, 8th Support Division, 196th Light Infantry Battalion in Vietnam. He completed his Army service at Fort Dix, New Jersey, in July 1969. In April 1976, he began training with the U.S. Navy at Great Lakes, Illinois, embarking on an 18-year career that culminated in his retirement in June 1994 in Norfolk, Virginia, as a Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class in Supply.

Don found his greatest joy in life’s simpler pleasures. He loved fishing anywhere and at any time, often spending quiet hours by the water. He enjoyed evenings of bingo, watching game shows, and sharing stories with friends and family. With his easy smile, well-timed humor, and genuine interest in others, he had a gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome.

He is survived by his wife, Teresita; his children Edward, Michael, and Sharon; and his grandchildren Isayah, Eli, Grace, Kace, and Bennie. He is also survived by his life partner, Lucrecia Howell; her daughters Stephanie and Jennifer; her grandchildren Brittany, Jonathan, Anthony, Kylie, Ashley, and Justin; and seven great-grandchildren who brought him great joy. His siblings and in-laws, Delbert and Lynne, Don Egan, Leonard, Barbara and Don Haepp, and Karen and Jim Conway, carry forward the family stories and memories they shared. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Delbert; his brother, Bob; his sister, Shirley; and his loving daughter, Theresa.