With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jeffrey Neil Harkey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who departed peacefully on February 26, 2025, at home.

Jeff was born on August 14, 1953, in Moline, Illinois. He was raised on a farm in Aledo, IL, with his devoted mother, Mary Lou Cook, and his three brothers. In his younger years, he worked for John Deere before moving to Florida, where he served as the Service Director for Bill Buck Chevrolet in Venice, FL.

Soon after relocating to Florida, he met the love of his life, Susan Harkey, and they were married for 36 wonderful years. They shared an incredible love for each other that was built on grace, respect, and devotion. They extended that love to many people in the community, always offering a listening ear, guidance, or a place to enjoy a holiday meal. Their love story will be etched into history.

Upon retirement, he discovered a passion for scuba diving and became a Master Captain on his diving boat, The Big Flattop. Being a country boy through and through, he also loved to ride his Harley, making many cross-country trips, always with his cowboy boots and jamming out to ZZ Top.

Jeff was a loving and devoted father to five daughters and one son. He taught them the importance of life: how to love and care for others, to be independent, and of course how to properly hold a flashlight. His love for his children extended into their significant others, creating special relationships with each one of them. Anyone can be a father, but it takes a special someone to be a Daddy!

His children gave him the best part of his life: his grandchildren. He cherished spending time with them and watching them grow. They shared love, silliness, good old grandfather banter, and perhaps a few too many sweets.

A life celebration will be held on Saturday, April 12th, from 11 pm to 2 pm at the Manasota Key Beach Pavilion. If you ride, please join us so he can hear those engines ROAR up in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Down Syndrome Society https://give.ndss.org/give/59045/#!/donation/checkout