Obituary
Frank Anthony Harris, 81, of Oviedo, FL, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 18, surrounded by family. He was born in Canandaigua, NY, the son of Ralph Alonzo Harris and Christine Mary Pizzillo. He was the oldest in a family of 5 boys and 3 girls. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Josephine Harris of Winter Park, FL, and his brother Anthony (Tony) Harris of Canandaigua, NY.
He graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1959 and moved to Winter Park, FL, to work for Martin Marietta starting in the model shop. He graduated from Rollins College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He retired from Lockheed Martin as a Purchasing Manager in March 2001 after 41 ½ years of service. Frank was a lifelong Catholic and affiliate member of Oviedo Presbyterian Church, where he volunteered for many years with the facilities and maintenance crew.
In 1985 he began dating Rebecca whom he met at Martin Marietta, and they were married March 1, 1986, for 36 blessed years. They had two boys, Andrew and Michael and a loving beautiful, blended family with his three other children.
He loved sports especially baseball and he played 3rd base for the Orlando Flyers a minor league team for many years in the 1960s. He also enjoyed college football especially Notre Dame and University of Central Florida where 3 of his kids graduated. He played golf for many years. He enjoyed coaching his sons in little league baseball and attending their many sporting events including basketball, flag football and volleyball. He loved the Dodgers.
Survivors include wife, Rebecca Dickson Harris; five children, Christine Hollenback and husband Bill of Winter Springs, FL, Tony Harris and wife Melinda of Dallas, TX, Lisa Taylor and husband Brad of Longwood, FL, and two youngest with Rebecca, Andrew Harris and wife Norel of Orlando, FL, and Michael Harris of Belle Isle, FL. Two sisters, Carol Pittinaro and Laurie Spencer of Fairport, NY, brothers Ralph Harris and wife Mary of Green Valley, AZ, Arthur Harris and wife Marlene of Fort Myers, FL and many nieces and nephews, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
In early 2019 Frank noticed his hand was shaking more and other challenges and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Despite the problems associated with it he exercised and never needed a walker, cane, or wheelchair. He developed memory challenges that continued to grow worse over time, but he remembered all his family and friends. For the past year he cherished his twice per week participation in the Brain Fitness Academy at University Carillon and especially appreciated the director, Susan Karpinski. She was such an encourager and he looked forward to going to every four-hour class.
On July 2, Frank came down with COVID and was hospitalized as it developed into pneumonia. He was later moved to a rehabilitation facility and soon after was brought back home under hospice care. On July 18th, surrounded by family, Frank slipped peacefully from this world and into the presence of his Lord and savior.
A celebration of life event will be held on Saturday, August 20, at Oviedo Presbyterian Church at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Ogne officiating.
Video of Frank’s Celebration of life can be found below:
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Oviedo Presbyterian Church for maintenance projects.
Celebration of Life Bulletin pg 2
Celebration of Life Bulletin
Frank Harris prayer card
We are so sad that we cannot be at the service; but know that hearts are heavy with you. Our sincere condolences are with you Rebecca and the rest of the family.
So sorry for you lost. He was a great husband, father, uncle, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. His heart was very big.! Frank loved everyone and wanted everyone happy. Most of all he loved his family!!!! The following are words that were given to me in my loss and it helped a lot. "Remember in times of tears...remember the laughter; in times of sadness....remember his smile; and in times of loniness....remember all you shared. These are great words that will help you to have all those loving memories."
Love Carol