BRADLEY – Deane E. Harris, 81, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 12, 1932, in Old Town, son of William and Mary (Graffam) Harris.
Deane graduated from Old Town High School, where he was an outstanding athlete, especially in football and track. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Yosemite. In 1955, Deane married Missy Clark and together raised their children. He was employed for 44 years at the Old Town paper mill. He loved hunting both deer and rabbits. He looked forward to hunting camp with friends, Lucien Lavoie and Phil Pelletier, and rabbit hunting with Wayne Avery, his son, Eric, and his faithful dog, Shamrock; and always looked forward to moose hunting with Charlie Brown.
Deane is survived by his wife of 57 years, Missy of Bradley; children, Michelle Geaghan and husband, Chris, of Hampden, Eric Harris of Old Town, and Melissa Harris-Rioux and husband, Ted, of Gorham; five grandchildren, who were the pride of his life, Trevor Geaghan and girlfriend, Emily, of Brewer, Nikol Harris of Old Town, Ethan Harris of Old Town, Ty Walker of Milford and Terra Rioux of Gorham. He was predeceased by two half-brothers, Jim Harris and Clare Harris; two half-sisters, Estella Belisle and Kathleen Weymouth; his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betty and Joe Clark; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Grant. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Isla Shulman, his primary care physician, for always treating Deane with compassion and respect.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Parish of the Resurrection, Holy Family Church, Old Town. Burial with military honors will be afterward at Milford Cemetery. Immediately after all services, all are invited to return to the Parish hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Memorial contributions may be made to Old Town Animal Orphanage, P.O. Box 565 Orono, ME 04473; or to Maine Youth Fish and Game Association, P.O. Box 337, Stillwater, ME 04489.
Deane E. Harris
