Timothy A. 'Tim' Harris

HOLDEN – Timothy A. Harris, who has courageously battled esophageal cancer for the past year, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2015 at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, surrounded by his wife, children and the staff that so lovingly cared for him. He was 52.

Tim was born in Holden and spent several years in Orange before returning here more than 30 years ago. He attended Wachusett Regional High School and the Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School. As a teenager, Tim enlisted in the US Navy serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS America, including several tours in the Asiatic/ Pacific area, and while visiting countless ports along the way. The experience of traveling the world as a young sailor made Tim realize that he was happiest close to home. He began working as a warehouseman following his discharge, and there met the girl who would become his soul mate for the 30 years, the former Kelley E. McLaughlin of Holden. They soon married and together created a loving home that welcomed two beautiful children. He also became another son and sibling to Kelley’s parents and brother, with whom Tim truly felt strong family bond. Tim remained working as a warehouse manager for Industrial Cleaning Products, Inc. of West Boylston until his illness. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and snowmobiling, especially in Rangeley and Greenville, Maine. Tim also relished the time he spent with his family at the Lake Willoughby home of the Pepper family in Vermont’s northeast kingdom. He also enjoyed coaching his children, soccer, baseball and softball. He possessed a magnetic and loveable personality who presence, and often his booming voice, added so much life to any place he was in.

The family would like to thank all those who have been involved with Tim’s care during his illness, and are especially appreciative of all the support of Dr. Gabriel A. Brooks of Dana Farber.

Tim leaves his beloved Kelley, his loving wife for 32 years; his two wonderful children, Jonathan and Meghan Harris both of Holden; his three sisters, Florence Dubay of Fairfield, ME, Melissa Suazo of Henderson, NV and Justine Winkelman of Swampscott; his step-mother, Gail Cutting of Noma, FL; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Robert E. Harris, his brother, Herbert Harris and his father and mother-in-law, John W. and Mary E. McLaughlin, as well his brother-in-law, James N. McLaughlin.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tim’s family on Monday, June 22, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 23, with the family gathering at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Holden. Burial will follow in Grove Cemetery, Holden.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ( www.jimmyfund.org ), P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168.

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