Obituary of William T. Harris

William T. Harris, 95, died on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital in Phillipsburg. He was born in Johnson City, NY, to William Thomas Harris and Sarah Hazel (Williams) Harris, raised in Hornell, NY which was a railroad town and had lived in Garden City and Long Island City before moving to Watchung. He most recently lived in White Township. Mr. Harris had a humble beginning and put himself through Purdue University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and played football during his freshman year. He was in the New York State band during high school where he played the clarinet and also was on the track team. He ran the 2nd fastest 100 yard dash for two years in a row in the county. He served his community for 25 years on the Watchung Rescue Squad and was a life member. He was a member of Wilson Memorial Church and the Masons Lodge in Forest Hills, NY. Mr. Harris skied until the age of 89. He skied all over the East coast. From small hills in Peapack, New Jersey and Woodstock, Vermont to larger hills like Jay Peak, Killington and Stowe in Vermont. He also hiked up Tuckerman's Ravine in New Hampshire. Bill was an Electrical Engineer and was employed by RCA International, Lockheed Electronics, Dravo Corporation and Gibbs and Hill. During his career he worked on signaling for barges on the Mississippi River and rail lines in New Jersey. His work took him to Thailand, Ethiopia, Egypt, Pakistan, Paraguay and Germany working as an electrical engineer. Mr. Harris was a huge fan of Belvidere sports, where his grandchildren participated, making sure never to miss a game. During his 70's and 80's, he could be seen walking and jogging around the Watchung Lake. He is predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Bertha Louise (Link)Harris. Surviving are his son William G. Harris son, Charles E. Harris and his wife, Catherine and his grandchildren, William D., David J. and Louise M. Harris. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 14th at 10:30 am at Wilson Memorial Church followed by interment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 to 7 pm at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wilson Memorial Church, 7 Valley Road, Watchung or to the Watchung Rescue Squad, Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ 07069.