Born in Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies, on March 1, 1942, he was the son of the late Ruel and Stella
Harriott. When many have just begun their collegiate studies, Calvin had already graduated from Jamaica School of Agriculture at age 19. As a man who deeply valued education, he pursued those interests and
immigrated to the United States to complete his Bachelors in Electro/Mechanical Technology at City College of New York, New York, then followed by a Masters of Science in Special Studies/Telecommunications Operations at George Washington University in Washington, DC, graduating with honors at each institution.
After an early career as a government official with Jamaica Public Service, Calvin transitioned to a highly
technical career dedicated to satellite communications, where he was employed by ITT World
Communications, Satellite Business Systems, COMSAT World Systems, and INTELSAT. His duties spanned the world as he developed new geosynchronous and geostationary satellite telecommunications systems, standardized transmission services, and approved antennae and earth stations. He held many professional affiliations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Antenna Manufacturers Testing Association (AMTA), Global VSAT Forum (GVF), and Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), several of which in a leadership or chairmanship capacity. Ultimately, he founded his own firm to offer operational insights and communications equipment sales for public and private enterprise with Harriott Communications Consultants.
As accomplished as he was professionally, Calvin’s first and true passion was always agriculture, and he was always certain to maintain his homes with bountiful gardens ripe with the flora and vegetables on which he was raised. He proudly shared the fruits of his labors with grateful family, friends, and neighbors, occasionally selling fresh goods to local merchants. His eyes were always in the stars, but he remained grounded by keeping his hands in the soil.
He is survived by his spouse; his siblings Carole, Lilly, Neville, and Hope; children Anthony, Calvin, and Tracey and their spouses; grandchildren Calvin, Anthony, Grant, and Xavier; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Ruel.
His immediate family has grieved his loss in a private ceremony, but expects full memorial services for all friends and extended family to coincide with his birthday and wedding anniversary as soon as circumstances allow. Not only is the family deeply appreciative of the kindness and professionalism of Fountainhead Funeral Home of Palm Bay, Florida, but also wishes to extend that gratitude to Life Care Center of Melbourne, Florida for the extraordinary attention and comfort they provided to Calvin in his final days, as well as the many prayers offered by the congregation at Eastwind Pentecostal Church of Palm Bay, Florida.
His life was full. His suffering has ended. May he rest in peace.
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