Obituary of Robert E. Harris

OBITUARIES Robert E. Harris, 83, of Hobe Sound, Florida, died January 5, 2005 in Florida. Born and raised in New Britain, Bob was a New Britain High School and UCONN football star in his youth. He held the record for the 3rd longest punt in the nation at the time. He married the former Ann Kelly Harris. Together they raised six children. He had worked hard and successfully with his brothers all his life at the business founded by his father Arthur Harris: the A.H. Harris and sons and Walker Trucking Company. An avid golfer, he retired to Florida where he liked to remind his golf partners they were playing with a great grandfather. His humor and strength and indomitable zest for life will be greatly missed. He was predeceased by two of his children Laura Harris Reed and Robert E. Buddy Harris. Bob leaves his wife Irene Driscoll Harris, two brothers and their wives Dick and Eileen Harris of Avon, Archie and Norma Harris of New Britain; a son Daniel Harris of New Britain; three daughters Nancy Conlan of Farmington, Barbara Harris of Niantic and Peg Roy and her husband Ed Roy of New Hartford; four grandchildren Kelly Autunno and her husband John, Lisa Reed, Sean Conlan and Marie Conlan. He was also blessed with three great grandsons Daniel and Dylan Autunno and Connor Reed. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 10:30 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain with a Mass of Christian at 11:30 A.M. at St. Joseph�s Church 195 South Main St. New Britain. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be Tuesday 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UMASS Dartmouth Athletic Department "Buddy Harris� Fund, c/o UMass Dartmouth 285 Old Westport Road N. Dartmouth, MA 02747 or to the Republican National Committee.