Peter S. Harris

Peter was a hard working man dedicated to his family and his country. He was raised on Great Diamond Island and was a graduate of Portland High School as well as Westbrook College and the University of Southern Maine. Peter married Diana Taliento in Portland on January 9, 1971. Together they raised their four children in Portland and for a time on Governor’s Island in New York on the coast guard base.

Peter enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed on various ships throughout his career and many states, such as, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Maine and New York. His ports of call included: Japan, Europe, Ireland, England and Denmark. While in the coast guard, Peter received various commendations and recognitions of his skills in fixing things, saving the coast guard money and for his ingenuity. Peter served for 23 years and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3) in 1980.

Prior to starting the Electric Motor Works of which he was co-owner, he was employed by Stultz Electric Motor Works: Thompson Sub Shop, Sole Proprietor.

During Peter’s retirement, he continued to travel, work on projects and create many fond memories with his family. He and his wife, Diana enjoyed taking trips to Florida, going on cruises and visiting with family wherever their travels took them. Their time spent together in their home in Portland, as well as many summers on Great Diamond Island very often included handy work of his creativity and Diana’s assistance as his hands. All family and friends could count on Peter to help out with fixing things. Many cherished times included those spent with his sons troubleshooting engines, hours of yard work and construction projects. Peter also had a soft side, his daughters recall, dancing around the living room together and listening to his favorite song, Piano Man. His grandchildren remember him always riding around on his golf cart with the family dog Millie in the passenger seat or mowing lawns on his John Deere Tractor. Peter and his grandchildren loved the laughs they would get from him tickling their necks.

He was also known for his potato salad and French toast. He enjoyed history, genealogy, computer surfing, current events and was also known for his brand of wit. He was a member of the Cutterman’s Association-South Portland, American Legion-Great Diamond Island Post, Warren Officers Association and 789 Club.

He is predeceased by his brother, Stephen Harris. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Diana; children, Richard Harris, John Harris, Stephanie Sargent and husband Michael, Elizabeth Harris; brother, David Farnham; sisters, Mary Jane Metcalf, Judith Burton; grandchildren, Shawn, Nicholas, Bethany, Jessica, Jacquelyn, Micaela, Mia and Peter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Prayers will be recited Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Funeral Home to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church 673 Stevens Ave.

Graveside services in Calvary Cemetery will be announced in Tuesday’s edition of the obituary and on the funeral home website.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Southern Maine HospiceHospice of Southern Maine Attn: Development 180 US Route One, #1 Scarborough, ME 04074 or VNA Home Health & Hospice VNA Development Office 144 State Street Portland, Maine 04101. Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.