Obituary of Jay A. Harkness

Jay A. Harkness, of Gillett, PA, went to be with his lord on February 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born May 23, 1951, to Merton and Hazel (Dunbar) Harkness. He was a graduate of the 1969 Troy High School class. Jay married the love of his life, Diane (Beardslee) Harkness, on May 28th, 1971. He was employed for 38 years at Durabuilt Products. Jay was an avid sportsman having a passion for both hunting and fishing. He spent may enjoyable hours passing on his love for both pastimes with his children and grandchildren. As his children grew older, they enjoyed some of the more adventurous stories of him and his friends' antics. For instance, a large stump that was put in a truck once when fishing or a large rock thrown from a bridge to scare a friend fishing below. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Diane (Beardslee) Harkness; son, Craig and Stacy (Johnston) Harkness; daughter, Kari (Harkness) and Kevin Fitzwater; grandchildren, Cordeelya Harkness, Selena Fitzwater, Dalton Fitzwater, Tarah Collins; sisters, Kathleen (Harkness) Staudt, Julie (Harkness) Larry Congdon, DeEtta (Harkness) Terry Schafer; and close family friends, Keith and Marie (Celli) Seymore. He was preceded in death by parents, Merton and Hazel (Dunbar) Harkness; brother-in-law, Bruce Staudt; and sister, Susan Harkness. There will be a private graveside service. A public celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 12 – 3PM at the Troy VFW 183 Veterans Dr. Troy, PA. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. 637 S. Main St. Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com