Joseph L. Harris

“Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing." - Mark Twain

Joseph “Joe” Harris lived his life with that spirit. Joe loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor, but what defined him most was his kindness, honesty, and deep love for his family. His bright smile can be found in nearly every family photograph. Joe passed away on October 4, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by family.

Joe was born on Halloween in 1946 in the Bronx, New York, the youngest of three children, with an older brother, Irving “Irv,” and sister, Rosalyn. Irv was an especially important influence throughout Joe’s life and served as an important role model to him.

Joe attended Syracuse University, where he met the love of his life, Nancy, in the library. While at Syracuse, Joe participated in Army ROTC and later served in the Army Reserve. He earned his MBA from Syracuse, became a Certified Public Accountant, and later an attorney.

Joe and Nancy raised their two children, Julie and Jonathan, in Rochester, New York. Joe practiced law and had a successful career, including positions with Eastman Kodak Company and later Glaxo SmithKline in Philadelphia, where he served as Senior Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions.

For all his professional accomplishments, Joe’s greatest joy was always his family. He adored his four grandchildren, Callie, Hunter, Samantha, and Ryan, and treasured every opportunity to be with them. He loved to play games with the grandchildren and could often be found on the floor with them laughing.

Joe also loved exercise, nature, classical music, Star Trek, and musicals such as Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music. He could frequently be heard whistling a familiar tune and was the family’s designated singer of “Happy Birthday.”

Joe and Nancy traveled extensively and especially loved Italy. In retirement, they moved to Jupiter, Florida, where they enjoyed warm weather and good friends, before returning to Massachusetts in 2022 to be closer to family.

Joe leaves behind something far more valuable than possessions or professional accomplishments: the love he gave as a husband, the example and guidance he provided as a father, the joy he brought as a grandfather, and countless memories filled with laughter. He was a genuinely good and honest man who loved his family dearly, and he will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be private and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Joe’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org .