Michael W. Harmon

Mike passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, in Barrington, Illinois. He would be best known here for his 38 years of service to Rockfords’ Public School District 205, spent in the classrooms of both Guilford High and East High, in the District Curriculum Department, and as assistant principal of East. Upon retirement, he joined a small cadre of administrative substitutes and went on to spend six years as a substitute principal. Every one of these years added to his treasure chest of happy memories. 

Mike’s family leaves a vivid history. His great grandfather, Michael and wife, Ann Quinn, migrated from central Ireland in 1840. In 1843, bought from the federal government, the property for a large farm in Woodstock, IL. They were very successful there.

From his earliest years, Mike followed his father around on his chores at the homestead, then one hundred years old. He also witnessed modernization, enlargement, and gentrification of the house itself from its earliest days, orchestrated by the architect’s plans and executed by master carpenters. In a very few years, he was a welcome hand at the summer cottage on the “North 60” and returned each summer through his junior year. He thoroughly enjoyed it all—the spare cottage life, a love of the farm, and a deep respect for all who had gone before and made it possible. His affection for the farm never faded.

His burial in Woodstock will be private near those who had, indeed, made it all possible!