John Harrison, Sr. was born on July 22, 1927 in Ridgeway, South Carolina. He was the second of three children born to the late Riley Harrison and Anna Jefferson.

John was raised in Pleasantville, New Jersey and was educated in the New Jersey public school system. Upon graduation from high school, John moved to New York to pursue his initial interest in culinary arts. He worked in the culinary field for a few years and then had the opportunity to join the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1964 and after 20 years of dedicated service he retired in 1984.

Since his retirement, he enjoyed cooking, fishing, travelling, and watching his beloved New York Mets and Knicks. John was an avid reader and loved to discuss current events with anyone.

John was predeceased by his first wife, Alma, his daughter, Victoria, as well as his brother, Wilbert and his sister, Riley.

John is survived by his beloved wife Geraldine, a son from his first marriage, John Jr, step-children Carolyn (Lloyd, II), Cynthia, Henry, many grand and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of dear friends to mourn his irreplaceable loss.