Robert John Harmon

Robert John Harmon was born in Newport on March 2, 1935, and passed away on Friday, April 10, 2009. He was the son of the late John Garrah F. Harmon and Emeline Conklin Harmon. He leaves his wife, best friend, traveling companion and love of his life for 51 years, Nancy Parsonage Harmon.Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Deborah M. Harmon, RN, and his brothers John Jack Harmon of Burbank, CA and C. Ronald Ronnie Harmon of Newport. He is survived by his sister Lynnda Lutz of Middletown, RI and numerous nieces and nephews.Bob was a lifelong Newport County resident. He graduated from DeLaSalle Academy entering the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter. After being honorably discharged, he joined the Newport Police Department and worked there for ten years. He then left to work for the R.I. Division of Drug Control as a Narcotics Inspector. Three years after joining that agency, he was promoted to Senior Inspector. While working in this field, he received numerous commendations from federal, state, local agencies and civic clubs. He was an active member in the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association and the Fraternal Order of Police. He attended Salve Regina University where he obtained a B.S. degree with honors in Law Enforcement. After retiring, Bob was an alcohol and drug counselor and manager of a homeless shelter. He was a former member of the Portsmouth Campground Association. Bob loved animals, reading and traveling in his RV, visiting all but four of the Unites States. He also visited several foreign countries. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor.Calling hours are omitted and burial will be private in St. Columbas Cemetery. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals, P.O. Box 411, Newport, RI 02840, or to Visiting Nurses of Bristol or Newport Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.