William Roy Harris

William “Bill” Harris passed away on May 21st, 2024 after an unexpected medical complication. He was born in Penn Yan NY on March 22nd, 1930 and was the son of the late William Roy and Anna (Johnson) Harris.

Bill was predeceased by Gloria (Thompson) Harris, his wife of 43 years, and their infant children Michael and Julie Harris. He is survived by his children, Lisa (Harris) Janicki and Daron Janicki, William Harris and Cynthia Davis, Patrick and Kimberly Harris, and his Grandchildren Noah and Willow Harris. He is additionally survived by his sister Glenda Alford, many nieces and nephews and his special companion, Florence Stacconi.

Bill began working at the local Allis Chalmers dealer, where he learned his many construction and mechanical skills. It was at this time where he built a strong relationship with his father while fishing for trout on Keuka Lake, building rowboats, cedar strip canoes, and an inboard speed boat with an engine salvaged from the bottom of the lake.

In 1951, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force for a four-year tour during the Korean War. He served at Air Force Bases across the United States and was deployed to Nouasseur Air Force Base is French Morocco repairing and servicing aircraft transiting to and from the war zone.

After an Honorable discharge in 1955, Bill began his lifelong career in the communications industry, working for the New York Telephone Company in Geneva NY. For the next 30 years he worked his way through the telephone company hierarchy as a lineman, splicer, installer, and assistant engineer and outside plant engineer. While he enjoyed the seniority, his true passion was working with his hands outside to ensure the reliability of the phone service. It was during an out-of-town work project where he met his wife Gloria and they were married on May 7th, 1960. After retirement, Bill continued to work as an engineering consultant for telephone companies across New York State.

Bill was very active with the Boy Scouts of America and served as the committee Chair for Troop 126 in Port Dickenson for more than 10 years where his sons were both scouts. He was a lifetime member of the Telephone Company Pioneers, a member of the American Legion Post 1645, and the Sampson Air Force Base Veteran’s Association. He additionally spent 14 years as the President, Editor, and Webmaster for the NYPENN military club which led to many lifelong friends. His love for historic military vehicles led to him to expand the club into the Syracuse and Schoharie regions as well as restoring 13 military jeeps himself. He could often be found displaying them proudly at car shows, military events, and parades every summer.

For anyone who knew Bill, they knew of his legendary building skills. No job or task was too large for him. He was undaunted by the prospect of building an addition to his house or installing an in-ground swimming pool by himself. He was generous with his time and talents by doing work for friends and family as well as helping work with the maintenance crews for his daughter and son-in-law’s Yorktowne Apartments. There he served as a mentor and inspiration to many of the workers he came to call friends. Bill was very proud of his three children and their successes in each of their unique, diverse career paths. He has left a legacy that will long be remembered by friends and family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, May 28th at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, from 10am-11:30am, immediately followed by a time to share stories and favorite memories of Bill. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Lupus foundation in memory of Gloria Harris.