William “Bill” Thomas Harhan, Jr.

July 6, 1933 - May 6, 2023
William “Bill” Thomas Harhan, Jr.

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Bill Harhan passed away at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia on Saturday, May 6, 2023 with his wife, Coco, their children, and grandchildren by his side.

William (Bill) Thomas Harhan, Jr. was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on July 6, 1933 to William and Frances (Cookson) Harhan.  He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Patricia Hudson (Harhan).  Bill grew up on Hillside Avenue in Metuchen, New Jersey and attended Metuchen High School where he distinguished himself as a decorated miler, cross country runner and relay team member.

Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1952 where he served with the First Marine Division in Korea.

Upon his return from Korea, Bill married Mary (Coco) Potter, the love of his life, and for the next 67 years, their adventures took them all over the United States and Europe.

Bill worked for 38 years in the manufacturing industry including 20+ years with the 3M company.  During this time, Bill went to school at night and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rutgers University and later a Master of Business Administration from Athens College (Alabama).  Upon Bill’s retirement, he opened up a successful consulting business, Manufacturing Management Solutions, Inc. with his dear friend, Don Forgrave, where he worked for another 17 years.

The son of a carpenter, Bill enjoyed fixing or building things in his garage.  He loved the Boston Red Sox and attending ball games at Fenway Park.  He was an avid reader, loved music, dancing with his Coco, and playing cards.  Every year, he looked forward to going to the Outer Banks with his children, grandchildren, and friends.  Bill was very active and participated in the annual 5K Carlsbad Race in Carlsbad, California numerous times over the past 20 years.

Bill and his wife, Coco, spent much of their time in retirement traveling throughout Europe, but no place more than their beloved Ireland.  When in Dublin, Bill appreciated a good carvery and could often be found listening to music, enjoying a pint of Smithwicks and sharing a meal with Coco, family, and friends.  All good craic!

Even though Bill and Coco at one point or another lived in New Jersey, Ohio, Alabama, California, New York, the Bahamas, Texas, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and England, for the last thirty years, they lived in Williamsburg, Virginia where their home became a gathering place for family and friends.  Nothing was more important to Bill than his family and nothing made him happier than being with Coco, his children, and his granddaughters.

Bill leaves behind his beloved Coco and their 4 children, Micki Martin (George), Patrick Harhan (Lisa), Timothy Harhan-Jones (Bart), and Eileen Delaney (Joseph), his cherished grandchildren Sarah Martin (Wes), Kerry Hill (Ryan), and Rachel Harhan (Hunter), and his darling great granddaughter, Maisy Hill.  Bill also leaves behind  many nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends and colleagues in the United States and in Europe.

Bill’s family and friends will lay him to rest at Quantico National Cemetery on June 5, 2023 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund supporting the nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Donations may be sent to Semper Fi and America’s Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102 PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057 or at https://thefund.org


Graveside Service

Monday, June 5, 2023
10:30 AM

Quantico National Cemetery - Directions
18424 Joplin Road (Rt. 619)
Triangle, VA 22172

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • May 22, 2023
    Rachel Harhan lit a candle:
    Lit since May 22, 2023 at 5:17:19 AM

  • May 22, 2023
    Christina Dickens says:
    I am so sorry for your loss but your dad has given you some wonderful memories to share. Eileen always shared stories of her parents, therefore, I always felt I knew them both. May he rest in peace after an amazing life!