William Jr. Harris

William Harris, Jr., 63, of Forest City and formerly of Owego, NY died Friday morning at home of an apparent heart attack. His wife of over 40 years is the former Marlene Franceski.

Born in Carbondale on December 31, 1947, he is the son of the late William Harris and Rose Ewonishon, Simpson. He was a graduate of Fell High School, Bloomsburg University, and Cortland, where he earned his Masters degree in Chemistry.

Before retirement he was a Chemistry teacher at Newark Valley High School, Newark Valley, NY for 33 years. In his last year of teaching he was awarded the Mr. Bill Harris Award, which is now given every year to the teacher who exemplifies excellence and exceptional dedication and devotion in the field of teaching. He was the advisor to the Student Council, coached the youth soccer league, and tutored many in Chemistry so that students could meet their requirements for admission to college. He was known to also tutor friends of his wife, so they could be accepted into a nursing program after being out of school for several years. He was a member of Vestal Elks Lodge 2508, and the Owego Elks BPOE 1039 where he was elevated to the organizations highest rank, Exalted Ruler. He was an avid golfer and bowler, but his true love was his garden and flowers, where he spent countless hours weeding. The one thing he missed in moving to Forest City was his inability to take with him his many blueberry bushes, and all missed his delicious fresh blueberry muffins. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Also surviving are two children, William, New York City and Lindsey "Ruby" with fiancé©e Rich Gorel, Forest City; 3 grandchildren Karma, Serafena, and Jonah; a sister, Claudia and husband Joe Sladicka, Honesdale; Brother-in-laws, Joseph and Debbie Franceski, Browndale, Michael and Bernie Franceski, Bethlehem, and Sister-in-law Sue and Frank Goryl, Moscow; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Kristen, father and mother-in-law Joseph and Helen Franceski.

Funeral will be Tuesday at 10:00 am from the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main Street, Forest City with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in Sacred Heart Church, Forest City. Viewing on Monday from 6-9 pm and Tuesday from 9:30 am until time of funeral.

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