Corey R. Harrison

Corey R. Harrison, 39. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected death of our son Corey. He was the loving partner of Ernie St. Hilaire, also of Danvers with whom he shared 20 years of unconditional love.

Born in Beverly on May 30, 1985, he was the beloved son of Edward Harrison of Danvers and Cathy (Pesce) Harrison of Beverly. Corey was raised and educated in Beverly and graduated from St. John’s Prep in 2003. He attended the University of Hawaii and finished his B.A. in Liberal Studies at Endicott College, graduating in 2008.

Corey lived a short but giving life. He dedicated his time here on earth to those less fortunate than he was. It was right out of college that Corey heard his calling to teach and serve those less fortunate. He found a volunteer website online and flew himself to South Africa, at his own expense, to volunteer at Rainbow Educare in Vrygrond, Township in Cape Town South Africa, a daycare for impoverished, orphaned children. He loved every minute of his time there and yes, had some fun with the other volunteers surfing the desert sands and even swimming with sharks!

Returning home, he continued working with children, taking care of his sister Brooke’s three young children, one of whom is autistic and needed special attention. After spending many years helping raise the children, he continued his work with intellectually and physically disabled adults at Northeast Arc in Danvers for several years until COVID closed everything down, which was very disappointing for him.

After the pandemic was over, Corey, with his passion for caring, took a position with Right at Home in Bedford MA working specifically at Carleton-Willard Village Retirement home. There, for two years he worked in the Memory Care Unit as a daily care companion for Robert, an elderly dementia patient. Corey’s constant care will always be remembered by Robert’s family who were forever grateful for the years he showed such patient care of their father.

Corey’s final position returned him to work with children at Pathways for Children in Beverly, MA, a school that nurtures and supports children and families impacted by social and economic inequities. He loved working with those kids and was disappointed to see this school year end not knowing this summer would be his last. It is in that spirit the Harrison family encourages those who Corey knew and loved to donate to Pathways to support and continue the work Corey loved so much; their information can be found below.

It must be mentioned Corey and Ernie especially enjoyed their trips to Universal Studios and Disney World in Florida whenever they could.

Corey had his challenges and perhaps found it easier to take care of others before himself but he was a sweet, kind wonderful person loved by so many, not only people but his most beloved dog Dennis and they could often be seen taking walks together around downtown Danvers where several of the shopkeepers would make it a point to be sure to give Dennis treats which Dennis gladly obliged!

In addition to his parents, Ed and Cathy and partner Ernie, he is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Brooke and Edmund “Ted” Stanton of Beverly and his brother and sister-in-law, Casey and Sarah Harrison of Byfield, his nephews and nieces, Harrison, Jackson, Peyton, Sloane and Jagger, and of course his beloved dog, Dennis Harrison and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Corey’s funeral services are private at the request of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Corey’s name to Pathways for Children at https://www.pw4c.org/unrestricted-giving-form. Online condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com