Obituary of Robert A. Harris

Robert A. Harris Bloomingburg, NY Robert A. Harris, a long time resident of the area passed away peacefully on September 3, 2013 at Westchester Medical Center. He was 69. The son of the late Robert H. Harris and Beatrice Burton Harris, he was born on November 15, 1943 in New Rochelle, NY. Bob lived most of his life in New Rochelle and after graduating from New Rochelle High School in 1961, he worked various jobs and tinkered with his cars, which was a lifetime passion. For a time, he was a fixture on the drag strip, where he won trophies and had a pit crew that included his beloved father. In 1964, he enlisted in the Air Force and became a veteran of the Vietnam War, proudly serving his country as an Airman stationed in Mha Trang, Vietnam. He was a deeply patriotic man who counted the movie"Yankee Doodle Dandy" as his favorite. Upon entering civilian life, he became a truck driver for Edenwald Construction in Whitestone, New York until his retirement in the late 1980's. He settled in Bloomingburg shortly after, where he enjoyed life with his wife Bonnie and their dogs. He loved riding his Harley Davidson with the Steel Talons Motorcycle Club until his health prevented it and dreamed of owning another corvette. He was a generous man with a child-like heart who was loved by all who knew him. Survivors include his sisters; Joan Ernst of Bloomingburg, and Judy Gold and her husband Robert of California, 3 nieces; Jennifer Schneider and her husband Michael of Pine Bush, Karyn Jackson and her husband Greg of California, and Laurin Boland and her husband Bill also of California, step son; Gregory Messina, 8 great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Bonita Harris. Visitation will be offered on Friday September 6, 2013 from 6-8pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush. Cremation will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com