William Robert "Bill" Harris

William (Bill) R. Harris passed away at his home in Orlando, Fl. on September 26th 2015 following a 6 year battle with esophageal cancer. He was born August 13, 1952 in Franklin, Pa, son of the late Michael and Wladzia (Sitkoski) Harris. He was preceded in death by brothers Carl (Joan), George (Willie-surviving), Michael and sisters Maryann Buck (Ronald) and Sally Marshall (Lewis). He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Christine (Tina) Quinn, brother, John (Sonnie-deceased) and sisters Helen Sharp (William) and Diana Boal (Robert-deceased) as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. A 1970 graduate of Franklin High School, Bill excelled in football and track. He was an outstanding student and served as both Class President and Vice President throughout his high school years. He was awarded an academic/athletic scholarship and attended the University of Pennsylvania, 1970-1974. An avid bicyclist, he traveled the lower 48 states and participated in the 1976 Bikecentennial. In 1983 he moved to Orlando and shortly thereafter started work at WestRock, formerly RockTenn/Stone Container Corp where he was employed for 32 years until his passing. Bill’s favorite hobbies were reading, football and golf. He was a founding member of the Glayva Cup Golf Tournament and for years golfed weekly with JABOG (Just a Bunch of Guys) and HCPGA (Healthcare Professionals Golf Association). True to his western PA roots, Bill was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler and Pirate fan. In his younger days he was well known for organizing and overseeing the Great American Tug of War. The event became so successful it grew too large to be continued. “Uncle Bill” also organized back- yard Jart tournaments that are fondly remembered to this day by many nieces and nephews. A mass of Christan Burial will be held October 6th 2015 at 11 am, St. Patrick’s Church, 949 Liberty Street, Franklin, Pa. Lunch to follow at Cenedella Hall located in St. Patrick’s School. Internment will be October 7th 2015 at 10 am, Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum, 3325 West Lake Rd. Erie, Pa, brunch to follow at The Elks Club at 2409 Peninsula Drive. Erie, Pa. A Celebration of Life will be held in Orlando at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Second Harvest Food Bank, 411 Mercy Dr. Orlando, Fl 32805 or Hospice of the Comforter 480 W Central Pkwy, Altamonte Springs, Fl 32714.

William Robert "Bill" Harris

August 13, 1952 - September 26, 2015