Dr. Harvey F. Clarizio

From his humble beginnings, Harvey Frank (Francis) Clarizio valued those who had mentored him early on in his life and in return dedicated his life to mentoring countless students, colleagues and family, especially in their educational pursuits.

Born on July 23, 1934 in St. Paul, MN, to Edward and Agnes (Pothen) Clarizio, Harvey lived the American dream graduating from Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul, he pursued his lifelong passion in Psychology and Education getting his B.A. from St Thomas College in 1956. While working, he continued his education at the University of Minnesota (which he fondly referred to as the real U of M) earning multiple advanced degrees including a master’s degree in Child Psychology and an Ed. Specialist degree in School Psychology.  He received his Doctorate from the University of Illinois in 1966. Upon receiving his doctorate, he joined the faculty of Michigan State University in the College of Educational Counseling and Educational Psychology for 33 years before his retirement.

As a college professor, he was nationally and internationally known for his writings, authoring and co-authoring 23 textbooks, along with writing countless educational articles on: Behavior Disorders in Children, Depression, Classroom Discipline, and the Gifted.  As a consultant, he served many School Districts, Michigan Dept. of Ed. and Dept. of Defense Schools internationally. As a college professor, he took great pride in mentoring and encouraging many graduate students inspiring them in their fields of excellence.

Meeting his wife, Donna (Ekdahl) at a bus stop in St. Paul, he married the love of his life on August 21, 1959 and together spent 60 years raising their four children; Michael (Lisa) Clarizio, Suzanne (Gerald) Ferguson, Mark (Tracy) Clarizio, and Julie (Craig) Clarizio/Johnson, and 11 grandchildren; Keith, Gina, Rose (William), Tessa, Anna (Kaleb), Cara, Lidia, Ava, Jace, Mia and Rocco.   Harvey traveled the world as a college professor teaching overseas, opening the world up to his children and grandchildren taking many trips with them and encouraging each of his children and grandchildren in pursuing their dreams. Throughout their life together, Harvey and Donna opened their home to countless colleagues, students and friends.  In addition, they enjoyed meeting many people through their Real Estate endeavors in East Lansing and Lansing and time spent in Florida after retirement.

It is with saddened hearts, we will miss our Father, Papa and Mentor who died peacefully after a short illness at Sparrow Hospital on December, 22, 2020, at the age of 86.  Along with his children and grandchildren, he is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Gail Dietrich (Larry), Erica Clarizio, a brother-in-law Daniel (Sally) Ekdahl, and several nieces.  Harvey was predeceased by his parents, his wife Donna (earlier this year), his sister Marie, and his brothers Edward and Irvin Clarizio.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers the family would encourage memorials in honor of Harvey to be given to The Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Michigan State University College of Education or a charity of choice. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, if you would like to leave online condolences, you may do so at: www.estesleadley.com