Thomas E. Harris, age 77, died peacefully on Saturday December 14 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH after a period of declining health.
He was born in Boston, Sept. 9, 1947, a son of the late Carl and Mary (Nolan) Harris and was raised in Winchester, graduating from Winchester High School eventually moving to New Hampshire where he has resided for the past 37 years.
Tom proudly served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War attaining the rank of Machinists Mate 3rd class and went on to attend Boston University and began a career as an Engineer for Digital and then Cisco Systems.
He was an avid Boston sports fan, never missing any televised game with his strategically placed TVs around the house. With the spirit of a pro, he played any pickup basketball game well into an age that most couldn’t. Whether he had to drive, bike, or walk, he literally never missed a day to hit the weights at the gym. He loved watching his kids in their sport; and, in his later years, loved watching his grandkids on the field, the court, the green, and the rink.
His veteran status was important to him, and he enjoyed volunteering at the Manchester VA.
Tom was always up for a good joke and never afraid to poke fun of himself for a good laugh either. In his last decade, he was most recognizable for his “Crocodile Dundee” hat that he traded in his baseball hat for. He loved cars and had various classics throughout his life and an impressive collection of Oakleys to go along with them. Tom was known for his jokes, his ability to “let things go”, and his willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed. He never shied away from helping a friend or family member with a major house project. If it involved tools, he would be there. He would often make the rounds to family members’ houses, just to check in. We are grateful for the many funny and warm memories he has left us with.
He is survived by one daughter, Kate Engelhardt of Lancaster, MA; one son, Jason Harris and his partner Terry O’Connell of Ashby, MA; two sisters, Mary Jane Allen and her husband Tom Allen of Amherst, NH and Sherrill DiPietro of Chelmsford, MA; Three brothers, Stephen Harris and the late Charlotte Harris of Bull Head, AZ; Carl Harris and his wife Marion Harris, of Woburn, MA; and Robert Harris of Long Beach, CA; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and his four beloved grandchildren, Raegan, Nolan, Ian and Bevin.
A celebration of Tom’s life is being planned for a later date.
