Robert A. Harris Obituary (1932 - 2015)

SOUTH PORTLAND Mr. Robert A. Bob Harris, 82, a longtime fixture in Greater Portland Funeral Service, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 1, 2015. He was doing what he loved; attending to a bereaved family. Born in Portland on October 31, 1932, Bob was the son of the late Eldred and June (McLaughlin) Harris. At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict. Affectionately known as Mr. Funeral, Bob began his work in Funeral Service in 1958 with the former Hay and Peabody Funeral Home. It was there where he learned the profession and also worked on the ambulance service. Following his work at Hay and Peabody, he was employed with Jones, Rich, and Hutchins Funeral Home from 1989 until 2005. Bob was employed by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes beginning in 2005. With Conroy-Tully Crawford, Bob worked nearly every funeral service that took place over the last 10 years. He always made himself available to help grieving families, and he took pride in what he did. He mentored many young funeral service professionals as they began their careers, and he went above and beyond to exceed families expectations. He was very well respected and admired by the Conroy-Tully Crawford Family, as well as the entire funeral service community. He had a strong dedication to funeral service until the very end. In addition to his love and passion for his work, Bob was a Head Quartermaster of the 5th Maine Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. He was an artist and a calligrapher. He enjoyed jitterbug dancing, spending time at the movies, eating out, visiting his family and friends, and long bicycle rides. In his later years, Bob stuck to his routine. After grabbing a coffee and the paper at McDonalds, he would often work a funeral in the morning, and then enjoy a lunch followed by a long walk at Bug Light, which he referred to as his living room. He was a very well-liked and respected man who will be deeply missed by family and friends. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Robyn Lynn Harris, and former wife, Jane Wright Harris. Bob is survived by his children, Philip Scott Harris of Yarmouth, Robert Leigh Harris of Saco, Gregory Dean Harris of Naples, Liza Dalfonso and husband Peter of Gorham. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Ziegelmayer of Oregon; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and very close friend, Justin Swift. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7PM at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. His Funeral Service will be held Friday at 10AM at the Funeral Home with Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. Military Honors will follow at Bug Light Park, South Portland. Burial will be private. To view Bobs memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.