Worcester - Joshua Harris, 53, of Worcester, passed away unexpectedly on August 3, 2025, while visiting family in Woodstock, CT. Born in Worcester, Joshua was the son of Robert Harris (wife, Shirley Harris) and the late Joanna (Bourgea) Harris.
Growing up in Boylston MA, Joshua was a member of the Boylston Congregational Church, and a life member of the Boylston Graduates Association. He graduated from Tahanto Regional High School in 1991.
Joshua was a proud member of the United States Navy, serving on the guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones DDG-53 as an MS5, while based in San Diego. He was a plank holder on the original crew assigned to the J.P. Jones during its final construction and commissioning. The ship was an early deployment to the war in Iraq, Desert Storm. Joshua also had life membership in the Association of Tin Can Sailors, in which the J.P. Jones played a significant role. He got to see some of the world during his time in the Navy, and he cherished those memories beyond measure; especially his nights in Singapore.
Joshua had a kind and creative heart, and enjoyed many hobbies; watching horror movies with his girls, taking day trips to museums and exhibits, reading Charles Bukowksi, cooking the most delicious meals, long conversations, basketball games, visiting Maine, spending quality time with his family, friends, and multiple beloved pet rabbits over the years (especially his Minnie), secretly being a talented artist; and of course, heavy metal concerts. Music was his greatest passion and outlet, and he was never not listening; Motorhead, Pantera, Slayer, Wilco, and occasionally Maxine Nightingale, were some of his favorites. Joshua felt the world around him deeply, but despite the struggles that he faced, he wanted nothing more than to make the people around him laugh and feel loved.
In addition to his father and stepmother, Joshua leaves his wife and friend of over 35 years, Heather (MacLellan) Harris; his daughter, Serena Harris, and her partner Bryan Bromley; his big brother, Robert Harris II, and nieces Joanna and Maia Harris.
Joshua also leaves behind his Aunts Aldea and Jan; cousins Lisa, Brian, Mark, Renee, Laurel, Jill, Jennifer, Jeff, and Deborah; extended family and too many good friends to name.
In addition to his mother, Joshua was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Carl B. Harris SR and Myrtle Harris Flagg, both of whom he adored with his whole heart; aunts Rhonda Bourgea and Judith Johnson; uncles Robert Bourgea, Ronald Bourgea, and Ronald Uminski; and his dearest friend, Raymond Gagne, among others.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joshua's family from 10:00am to 11:00am on Tuesday August 12th, 2025, at Nordgren Memorial Chapel Funeral Home at 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester MA, 01605; A Memorial Service will follow. Burial to follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, at 217 Richards Avenue in Paxton MA, 01612.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joshua's name to The Wounded Warrior Project, at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Above all else, Joshua would ask that you give back to your community, and always help a friend whenever you can.
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