In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, Bob Harris, 83

Longtime Little Silver resident, Robert “Bob” Fulton Harris, passed away in the comfort of his home on Feb. 6. He was 83.

“Bob spent 45 years living in Little Silver, where five of his grandchildren grew up just down the street. He also loved traveling to Delaware to spend time with his other two grandchildren. Bob’s first love was always his family. His second love was golf, a passion he pursued with great enthusiasm. His love of the game eventually led him to become highly skilled in crafting golf clubs for friends and family. After retiring from his business career, Bob spent much of his time on golf courses, working and playing the game he loved.

“Bob and (his wife) Joy shared a deep love of travel and enjoyed visiting incredible places around the world together. He was also an avid sports fan, especially of his Red Sox and Giants.

“The Harris family is large, and Bob cherished the many moments spent with relatives, always valuing family connections and working to keep the family legacy alive. Some of his happiest memories were made at the lake surrounded by loved ones.”
Loved ones of Bob Harris in his obituary

Born in Albany, NY to the late James and Ruth (Badgely) Harris, Bob honorably served in the U.S. Army actively from March of 1966 through August of 1975 as a major who was stationed in Germany and spent two tours in Vietnam. After active service Bob served three years more in the Army Reserves.

During his 14 years of service, Bob traveled the world while serving his country. “While stationed at Fort Monmouth, he met the love of his life, Joy Harris, in 1970 on Friday the 13th — the luckiest day of their lives. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and devotion for 55 years.”

Bob was deeply proud of his education, having attended Pawtucket Grammar School, graduating in 1956, Searles High School in 1960, Northeastern University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1965, and later earning a master’s degree in Business Administration in 1978.

He retired as the brokerage agency manager for Prudential Financial Group. Bob was also a longtime communicant of Holy Cross RC Church in Rumson.

Bob is predeceased by his brothers, James, Edwin and Gerald.

He is survived by: his loving wife of 55 years, Joy Harris; his son, Robert F. Harris Jr., and wife, Janine, of Middletown, DE; his daughter, Melissa A. Mellor, and husband, Jason, of Little Silver; his grandchildren, Brady and Wesley Harris, and Avery, Harris, Conor, Dillon and Quinn Mellor; his brother-in-law, Louis A. Hall, of NYC; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 30 Ward Ave., Rumson, NJ 07760. A mass will be held for Bob at 10:30, following the visitation. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown will follow the mass.

Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.