Joseph L. Harkins

Joseph L. Harkins, 96, of Amsterdam, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026.

Joe was born on December 19, 1929 in Upper Darby, PA, the son of Edward F. and Rose Marie Barber Harkins and moved to Amsterdam as a child. He graduated from St. Mary’s Institute in 1947 and then from Seton Hall University and Albany Law School. He was a senior claims representative with AIG Insurance Company in Albany.

He served in the United States Army from 1950 and 1952.

Joe was a longtime communicant of St. Mary’s Church, and belonged to the Amsterdam Elks Lodge No. 101 (Benevolent Protective Order of Elks) and John J. Wyszomirski American Legion Post 701. He also enjoyed spending time with the coffee group at McDonalds and many years of playing golf with Dr. Bob Chen, who became like a son to Joe.

Joe is survived by his wife, Marigay Nelson Harkins and an endless stream of family and friends including his nieces and nephews: Sharon( Dave) Dabiere, Holly (Tony) Dargush, Robin (Wes) Moller, Kathy (Donna) Harkins/Nevulis, Heidi (Gina) Harkins/Castelli, Janet (Tim) Czeski , Charles “Buddy” (Carla) Kolbe, Robert J. Kolbe, Mark (Dawn) Kolbe, Jill Kolbe, sister-in-law Beverly Mondragon, great-nieces and great-nephews: Chris (Megan) Dabiere, Carla (Andrew) Peckage, Maura (Phil) Friddle, Maeve (Matt) Ouellette, Vinnie Dargush, Duke (Amanda) Dargush, Jeff (Ashley) Moller, Matt Moller, Jillian Moller, Corey (Lindsay) Harkins, Danny (Mara) Harkins, Casey (Greg) Bonomo, Tara Czeski, Tricia (Greg) Leone, T.J.(Promyse) Czeski, several great nieces, nephews and the entire Murphy and Daly families.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Edward F Harkins and his wife, Bertha “Birdie” Daly Harkins, a sister, Mary Ellen Harkins Kolbe and her husband, Charles “Bud” Kolbe, and his niece, Chrissy Harkins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11: 00 a.m. preceded by a visitation period from 9:30 to 11:00 at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Joe's name and mailed to: St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY, Elks Lodge 101,174 State Highway 67, Amsterdam, NY 12010-7310 or American Legion Post 701, 123 West Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.