Gordon Wells Harris, Jr.

Gordon W. Harris, Jr. of Florida died February 28, 2025 in Florida. Born in Hartford in 1949 he was the son of the late Gordon W. Harris, Sr. and Marjorie (Norris) Harris. Gordie was raised in Wethersfield where he graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1967. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University. He received an Associate Degree in Fire Protection & Safety Technology and in 1982 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science Services from Southern Illinois University. He completed a Bachelor of Science program at the University of Wisconsin, Stout. Gordie was a Fire Instructor at the Hartford County Fire School, Connecticut Fire Academy, Texas A&M University Fire School, and the fire academies of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Country Iowa, and Kansas. He was a member of the National Fire Protection Association, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association, the International Fire Service Training Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association. His “job” was serving with the Connecticut Homeland Security and Management. He also enjoyed a long career with Elkhart Brass Company. He was a 35-year member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department serving as a Lieutenant and Captain for Company 2 and later Deputy Chief from 2005 to 2009. His incredible tireless efforts will always be remembered. Gordie was a 50-year member of First Church of Christ, Wethersfield. He is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver Nicolee, his sons; Chad, Craig, and Christopher, his daughter Barbie Curran and her husband, Mark, his brother Tom and wife Ann, his brother Scott and wife Kathy and his sister, Mary and her partner Marc Goldberg. He was a doting grandfather to his grandkids; Jade, Halo, Riley, Zachary, Chloe, Calley, Liam, Connor, Patrick, Ian, and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, David. From 1969-1970 Gordie served in Vietnam in the United States Air Force. He fought a fifteen-year battle with cancer beginning in 2009 due to exposure to Agent Orange while serving his country. Gordie and Nickie moved to Florida in 2020 and enjoyed living in sunny Florida making many wonderful new friends. He loved riding his golf cart around the beautiful Riverwood Community. There will be a celebration of his life at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, Gordie wished to have memorial contributions made in his name to your favorite charity. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com