SALEM - Robert J. Harris, 78, of Salem, husband of Sophie (Leskewicz) Harris, passed away Monday, February 16, 2009 in Salem after a short illness.
Born in Jamaica Plain, he was the son of the late Walter R. and Stella (Ryan) Harris. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Boys High School in Lynn and received BS and MBA degrees in education at Fitchburg State College.
Mr. Harris Served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard with the 102nd Field Artillery, Yankee Division, from 1947 to 1953 and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the City of Haverhill and taught at the Constentino Middle School and the Haverhill High School from 1977 to 1994. He previously held a teaching position at the Lynn Shoemaking School from 1968 to 1977.
Bob was an avid fisherman, bowler and gardener.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, he is survived by 5 children, Michael Harris and his wife Victoria of Land O' Lakes, FL, Stephen Harris and his wife Danigayle of Salem, Catherine Biron and her husband Daniel of Mountainside, NJ, David Harris and John Harris, both of Topsfield, 7 grandchildren, Anastacia. Michael, Andrew, Alyssa, Christina, Stephen and Kaitlin, two brothers, Frederick Harris of Arizona, Walter Harris of Idaho and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Marie Harris.
A committal service will be held Friday, February 20, 2009 at 1:30 pm at the Greenlawn Cemetery, 57 Orne St., Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., #B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the Salvation Army, 93 North St., Salem, MA 01970. Funeral arrangements by the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. For on-line guestbook visit www.SalemFuneral.com.