Frederick Louis Harris

Frederick Louis Harris, 83, formerly of 133 Ashby State Road, Fitchburg, Mass., and Newtown, died April 20 at the Highlands Long-Term Care Center after an illness.

He is survived by a sister, Emilie Harasymczuk of Newtown.

Mr Harris was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie E. (Johnson) Harris, who died October 21, 1995. They were married 53 years on May 22, 1995.

He is survived by one son, Mathew W. Harris of Columbia, Md.; one daughter-in-law, Janet Harris of Columbia; one grandson, Robert Harris of Maryland; two granddaughters, Christine and Jennifer Harris of Maryland; one brother, John Harzsymczuk of Hallstead, Penn.; and two other sisters, Margaret Ehasz of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Mary Sakales of Lake Placid, Fla.

He was born on June 23, 1917, in Fairfield, a son of the late Louis and Emily (Gunther) Harasymczuk. He graduated from Newtown High School, Class of 1936. He was a veteran of the US Army during World War II, when he was drafted and trained in Fitzimmons General Hospital, Denver Colo., and was certified as a male nurse surgical technician. He spent 37 months overseas in England during the invasion of Africa at Oran, the invasion of Italy at Salerno, Anzio Beachhead, and north to Switzerland before coming home. He then attended the University of Connecticut. He worked as a grounds supervisor at the Fairfield Hills Hospital in Newtown for 37 years before retiring on July 1, 1976. He was a member of the Newtown Volunteer Fire Department, the Newtown Congregational Church as assistant treasurer and treasurer until 1976, a member of the Hiram Lodge of Masons Chapter #18 in Sandy Hook where he was initiated in March of 1955, and was active until 1980. He moved to Fitchburg in 1977, and was an active member at the Elm Street Congregational Church in various capacities until 1990.

Funeral Services were held April 23 in the Elm Street Congregational Church, 264 Elm Street, Fitchburg, Mass. Burial followed in the Forest Hill Cemetery, 115 Mt Elam Road, Fitchburg, Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr Harris’ name to the Elm Street Congregational Church, 264 Elm Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

The Fitchburg Chapel of the_Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 129 Elm Street, Fitchburg, Mass., was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee         April 27, 2001