Dr. Samuel "Sam" Sterrett Harrison

Dr. Samuel "Sam" Sterrett Harrison, 83, of Saegertown, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville. 

Sam was born in Union City, on February 19, 1941, a son of the late Dr. Paul Harrison and Emma (Sterrett) Harrison.

On June 1, 1963 Sam married Linda Weed; she preceded him in death on June 7, 2023, sharing 60 years of marriage. 

He was a member of Saegertown United Methodist Church.

Following his 1959 graduation from Union City High School, Sam completed his undergraduate studies at Allegheny College in 1963, before earning his PhD from the University of North Dakota in 1968. From 1968-1970 Dr. Harrison was employed as Assistant Professor of Geology at the University of Wisconsin. In 1970 he returned to Crawford County and became a Professor of Geology at Allegheny College. He also started a new course of study, Aquatic Environments/Environmental Science, and taught both subjects in Alden Hall until 1989, when he began working self employed as a Hydrogeologic Consultant with Harrison Hydrosciences until his retirement. All the while Dr. Harrison was passionate about his work, he also became passionate about the small community in which he lived. For many years Sam and his wife raised their own beef, pork, vegetables and cut ten cords of firewood each year. His love of Saegertown continued to grow, and led him to dive into the important history of the area, including French Creek. This love and knowledge resulted in Dr. Harrison writing a book called, "Meandering Through Saegertown History", sharing stories about Saegertown that had not been written in the past. He later went on to author "You Start With Your Left Foot: The Amazing History of Saegertown School Marching Band, 1953-1961", in 2010. This allowed him to share his interest in music. In his younger days, Sam played the coronet and trumpet in many bands, sang in his high school and college choirs, including the Cussewago Jazz Band at Allegheny College. He equally enjoyed dancing, especially jitter bugging with his wife, Linda. Over the years Sam was a member of the fire police for Saegertown Volunteer Fire Department, served on the Saegertown Sewer Board, Saegertown Boro Enhancement Committee, and was an avid supporter of Saegertown Panthers sports teams. In his spare time, Sam enjoyed restoring antique cars, built two homes and renovated seven buildings. Above all else, Sam's family was very important to him and he loved them deeply. He will be sadly missed.

Sam is survived by three children Kelley S. Levis (Christopher) of Saegertown, Brooke S. Harrison (Linda) of Edinboro, J. Benjamin Harrison (Tresa) of Pittsburgh; eight grandchildren Jocelyn Windahl (Kyle), Malorie Zimardo (Matthew), Isaac Levis, Gabriel Harrison, Emma Harrison, Ian Harrison, Quinn Harrison, Alaina Harrison; three great grandchildren; a brother Paul Harrison of Durham, NC; a half brother Paul Harrison of Alexandria, VA; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Linda, Sam was preceded in death by two sisters Virginia Thompson and Emma Sterre Harrison.

Family and friends are invited to call from 3:30-5:30 PM on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Saegertown United Methodist Church, 620 Euclid Ave., Saegertown, where Funeral Services will follow at 5:30 PM with Pastor Jeff Little and Pastor Jeff St. Clair officiating. 

Sam will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Linda, in Saegertown Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Sam's memory to Wesbury, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335 or to Lady Panthers Basketball/Volleyball Boosters c/o Saegertown High School, 18079 Mook Rd, Saegertown, PA 16433.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 330 BROAD ST., SAEGERTOWN.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com