Mr. John "Bill" Harris

WESLEY CHAPEL FL - John "Bill" Harris, born on November 23, 1935, in Springfield, IL, and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in the comfort of his home in Wesley Chapel, FL on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

 At the age of seven, Bill moved with his family to Waterbury, CT, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was one of twelve children born to the late Walter and Margaret (Connelly) Harris. Bill served in the Air Force from 1954 to 1958 as a jet engine mechanic. After his military service, he dedicated over 30 years to the US Postal Service before retiring. His commitment to his community was evident through his roles as a volunteer coach for both Holy Cross High School and St. Margaret School. He was a past board member of his NALC union and his condo association in Ocala, FL. Bill was first married to Bernadette "Babe" Moreira in 1954, a union that brought them 25 years of happiness until her passing in 1980 after a battle with cancer. In 1983, he found love again and married Kathleen (Sullivan) Dunn, with whom he shared more than three decades until her passing in 2016 from complications of lung disease.

An avid sports enthusiast, Bill spent his younger years playing baseball, softball, bowling, and golf, often shining on the field and the course. His love for sports continued well into his seventies until a life-altering incident on the softball field led to the loss of sight in one eye, forcing him to hang up his glove. In addition to sports, Bill had a profound love for music and dancing. While he was not known for carrying a tune, his voice filled the room with love and joy as he sang “A Bushel and a Peck” to every child and grandchild who crossed his path. He was still singing that cherished tune just days before his passing. Bill was the heart and soul of his family, the one everyone turned to in times of need. His infectious, larger-than-life laugh and kind spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew him. In the last year of his life, despite the challenges of memory issues, Bill continued to embrace moments of joy and connection with those he loved most.

Bill is survived by his children and spouses: William Harris, Gina (Tom) Ricard, Kathy (Bobby) Dattilo, Karen Rosado, Kevin (Iris) Dunn, and Kris (Davi) Dunn. He also leaves behind his siblings/spouses Peggy Taylor, Jim (Addie) Harris, and Rose (Todd) Monaghan, as well as 13 grandchildren (Trisha, Mickey, Heather, Bernadette, Kaitlyn, Ariana, Amanda, Kellie, Zulie, Gabriella, Maleah, Kayden, Elliana), 13 great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished their time with him.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, both of his beloved wives, and his siblings and in-laws: Gladys (Pat) Cipollone (Phil) Gaudiosi, Dora (Sam) Spada, Hazel (Frank) Mecier, and his brothers Tom, Joe (Dolores), Chuck, David (Acey), Ray (Steph) Harris, his son Kyle Dunn, daughter-in-law Carol Harris, brother-in-law Tom Taylor, and grandson Tyler Dunn.   

Bill will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and through the laughter and love he so freely shared. To honor Bill’s memory and In lieu of flowers, his family asks for donations made in his name to the following charitable organizations: New England Donor Services neds.org/give, American Lung Association www.lung.org/donate, American Cancer Society cancer.org/donate

Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St Waterbury. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the Harris family on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St. Waterbury, CT. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.