Worcester - Donald W. Harris, 86, died April 20, 2015. He was the son of William F. and Evelyn (Stachura) Harris. His wife of 47 years June R. Harris died July 7, 2003. He leaves his son David, daughter-in-law Linda Harris and two granddaughters Sarah and Laura. He was born in Worcester June 5,1928 and graduated from High School of Commerce in 1946. He received his A.A. degree in Business from Worcester Junior College in 1957, also attending Northeastern University, Boston. He worked at Norton Company for 25 years (1947-72) in Abrasives and Refractory Div. and also worked at Cincinnati-Milacron Heald Corp. for 15 years (1974-91). He was a former member of Wesley United Methodist Church and Boy Scout Troop 8 and became an Eagle Scout in 1946. He also served in Boy Scout Troop 54 from 1973 to the present and was troop committee chairman for many years. He also wrote the troop newspaper "The Torch" for almost 40 years. In 1985 he received the Silver Beaver award and the Mario Genduso award from the Worcester Police Department and the Jimmy Fund in 1987. In 1951-52 he was a sergeant in the U.S. Army serving in Korea in the 780th Field Artillery and received the Army Commendation ribbon, Good Conduct medal, Korean Service Medal, American Defense, United Nations and Gov. of Korea Service Medal. He was a member of DeMolay (1946-50), Master Mason in Athelstan Lodge (1950-2003). On April 12, 2000 he received the Grand Lodge Veterans Medal and 50-year Member Medal. On August 23, 2003, Athelstan merged with another lodge forming Guiding Lights Lodge A.F. & A.M. He was a 32 degree Mason in Worcester Lodge of Perfection, Valley of Worcester-Scottish Rite; Goddard Council Princess of Jerusalem-Worcester Scottish Rite; Lawrence Chapter of Aleppo Temple Shriners Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of Mystic Shrine, Wilmington, MA Nov. 1, 1997. He received the Boy Scout James E. West Fellow (1999), Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award (2002), and the St. Gobain (Norton Co.) Volunteer Recognition Award (2005).
Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street Thursday, April 23, 4-7pm. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home Friday, April 24, 10am. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mohegan Council, BSA 19 Harvard St Worcester MA 01609-2870. For directions or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit: