John M. Harkins, a longtime resident of Somers, New York, who was known for his commitment to family and community service, died on October 18, 2026, at the age of 90.
Harkins had lived in Somers for 75 years and was a charter member and past president of the Somers Lions Club. His obituary, published by Clark Associates Funeral Home, remembers a man whose interests included skiing, sailing, golf and flying, but whose greatest source of happiness was his family.
Born in Rochester, New York, on July 23, 1936, Harkins built a life rooted in education, long-standing community ties and close family relationships. He was the son of Joseph C. Harkins and Mary B. Harkins, née Palmer, and graduated from St. Mary’s in Katonah before continuing his education at Boston College and New York University.
His death marks the loss of a longtime Somers resident whose life was closely connected to the community and the people he loved.
A Life Rooted in Somers, New York
John M. Harkins spent most of his life in Somers, where he had lived for approximately 75 years. Although he was formerly of Larchmont, New York, Somers remained his longtime home.
His connection to the area extended beyond simply residing there. Harkins was a charter member of the Somers Lions Club and later served as its president, giving him a documented role in one of the community’s civic organizations.
Lions Clubs are known for community service and volunteer initiatives, although the available obituary does not detail the particular projects Harkins supported or the specific achievements of his tenure as president.
His long association with Somers nevertheless provides an important part of his story. Over several decades, he witnessed changes in the community while maintaining ties to the people and organizations that shaped local life.
Education at Boston College and New York University
Harkins pursued higher education after graduating from St. Mary’s in Katonah, New York.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from New York University. These qualifications reflect a substantial investment in his education and professional development.
The published obituary does not provide a detailed employment history, identify his specific career positions or name organizations where he worked. Those details should not be assumed without additional reliable information.
His educational background, however, remains an established part of his biography and helps document the path he took before becoming a longtime figure in the Somers community.
Community Service Through the Somers Lions Club
One of the clearest public contributions recorded in Harkins’ obituary was his involvement with the Somers Lions Club.
As a charter member, he belonged to the organization from its formative period. His later service as president added a leadership role to that association.
Membership in a civic service organization can provide opportunities for residents to work together on local needs and support community initiatives. While specific projects associated with Harkins were not listed in the obituary, his sustained involvement demonstrates a documented connection to organized community service.
The obituary’s account of his life places that civic commitment alongside his family relationships and personal interests, offering a picture of someone whose life included both community participation and a strong private family life.
Skiing, Sailing, Golf and Flying
Away from his community activities, Harkins enjoyed a variety of recreational pursuits.
His obituary lists skiing, sailing and golf among his interests. These activities suggest an appreciation for outdoor recreation, sport and time spent pursuing personal interests.
He was also a licensed private pilot, a qualification that distinguished him from many recreational aviation enthusiasts. The obituary does not specify when he obtained his license, the aircraft he flew or how frequently he piloted, so further details about his aviation experience cannot be confirmed from the published account.
Together, these interests provide a glimpse of the range of activities that formed part of his life. They also help preserve details about the person behind the dates and formal milestones recorded in an obituary.
Family Was at the Center of His Life
The obituary describes family as the most important part of Harkins’ life.
He was married to Irma E. Harkins, née Pellini, for 65 years. Their long marriage was a central part of the family’s account of his life.
Harkins was the father of Cyndi Sciacca, John Jr., JC, Mary-John, and Christian. The obituary also names Mark Caico, whom Harkins loved like a son. Cyndi’s husband, Joe, Christian’s wife, Laurie, and Mark’s wife, Vanessa, are included in the family notice.
His grandchildren included Sarah, Katie, Thomas Gall, Julia, Kara Sciacca, Kennedy, Jack and Brogan Harkins. The obituary also acknowledges several nieces.
The notice identifies Mary-John’s late husband, John Lofaro, and mentions family members by their relationships rather than providing a complete account of every branch of the extended family.
This family-centered description is one of the most personal elements of the obituary. It portrays Harkins not only through his education and civic involvement but also through the relationships that defined his daily life.
A Family That Included Many Beloved Dogs
Harkins’ affection for family extended to the dogs who shared his household and family gatherings.
His obituary lists numerous dogs and grand dogs, including Goy Goy, Charlie, Pierre, Sam, Sherlock, Nepal, Augie, Gilbert, Buddy, Jordan, Jaxon, Koda, Buster, Bella and Avery, among others.
The inclusion of so many names offers a distinctive personal detail in the family remembrance. It suggests that the animals were familiar and much-loved members of the wider family circle.
Rather than treating pets as a passing detail, the obituary gives them space in its account of Harkins’ life, reflecting the importance they held for him and the people close to him.
Remembered for His Humor and Outlook on Life
The family obituary remembers Harkins for his wit, wisdom, sense of humor and positive outlook on life. It also highlights the care and compassion he showed toward the people he loved.
These descriptions offer the family’s own perspective on the qualities they valued most. They are not a list of professional accomplishments or public honors, but a personal account of how Harkins was experienced by those closest to him.
The obituary’s emphasis on humor and compassion also complements its account of his interests and community involvement. It presents a man whose identity was shaped by more than a single role, whether as a husband, father, grandfather, civic leader or licensed pilot.
For his family, the loss is deeply personal. For those who knew him through Somers and the Lions Club, his long connection to the area forms another part of his legacy.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Clark Associates Funeral Home is handling arrangements for Harkins.
The family is scheduled to receive friends on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, New York.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph RC Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, New York.
People planning to attend should confirm arrangements with the funeral home before traveling in case of changes.
Remembering John M. Harkins
John M. Harkins died at 90 after a life that included decades in Somers, higher education, leadership in the Somers Lions Club and a wide range of personal interests.
His obituary places his family at the heart of his story, recalling a 65-year marriage, his children and grandchildren, and the many dogs that were part of family life. It also preserves his enjoyment of skiing, sailing, golf and flying.
For those who knew him, the published remembrance offers an opportunity to reflect on his character, his long-standing community connections and the relationships that mattered most to him.
Editorial Disclaimer: This obituary is based on the published notice from Clark Associates Funeral Home and related obituary information. Biographical details not included in those sources have been omitted. Funeral arrangements are subject to change, so readers should verify service information with the funeral home before attending.