It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Harvey, of Royal Oak, a beloved educator, counselor, and true gentleman, who passed into eternal life on Monday morning, May 26, 2025, following a courageous battle with ALS. He was 77 years old.

John was the cherished only child of George and Rosalie Harvey and was raised in Redford Township, Michigan. He graduated from St. Agatha High School in 1966, where he began to cultivate the kindness, generosity, and integrity that would define his life. After high school, John worked at Kmart selling appliances to fund his education and graduated from Wayne State University in 1970. With a passion for learning and helping others, he immediately began his teaching career in Detroit, which spanned 23 years and took him to schools in Warren Woods, Harper Woods, and Troy.

In addition to his classroom work, John spent two summers at the University of Connecticut, teaching gifted students, and went on to earn a master's degree from Oakland University. He later transitioned to counseling, where he served middle and high school students in Troy for 13 years, offering guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support. In 2005, John retired from his role in the public school system, but his commitment to helping others never ceased. He continued his work as a private counselor, supporting individuals and families in his community until his passing.

John's life was marked by his profound kindness and gentle spirit. He was a true friend, always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. Music was an essential part of his life, having inherited his father's love for jazz. He also enjoyed a number of hobbies, including golf, tending to his beloved roses and plants, and caring for the family farm in Canada, a place that was dear to his heart.

John was a man of deep faith and integrity, and he was blessed to share his life with a cadre of loving friends, colleagues, and family members who were central to his happiness. His legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and a relentless commitment to improving the lives of others.

John is survived by his dear friend, Kelly Ruggirello, as well as many cousins, close friends and former colleagues whose lives he touched in meaningful ways. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Rosalie.

In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made in his honor to UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) , an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.

Visitation is planned at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Monday, June 2, from 2-8 pm, where family, friends, and colleagues will gather to celebrate his life and the immeasurable impact he had on so many.

John's funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday afternoon, June 3, at 12:30 pm (in state 12 Noon) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington.  The Rev. Brian Chabala, John's childhood friend, will preside.

A procession to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, will follow mass.  A luncheon will follow the cemetery prayers at a venue announced at the funeral.

May John's soul rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.