William Harris: Former Police Chief

William Harris passed away peacefully on Thursday April 4, 2013 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center following a brief illness. 

Bill was born on March 27, 1926 in White Plains, NY to Delia (Keaveny) Harris and Alexander Harris. On September 12, 1959 he married Barbara McGourty in Mamaroneck NY. Barbara survives at their home in Poughquag, NY.

Growing up in West Harrison, Bill attended White Plains High School until he enlisted in the United States Navy in February of 1944. He proudly served his country aboard the LST 898, as a Motor Machinist Mate from December 1944 to May 1946. He earned a Battlestar for the Battle of Okinawa during his time in the Pacific. 

After returning home he graduated from White Plains High School and in 1951 joined the Harrison Police Department. During his career he attended John Jay College, Pace University, and the FBI National Academy. He worked his way up the ranks ultimately becoming Chief of Police in 1976 until his retirement in 1988.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his children and their spouses John and Lois Harris of Washingtonville, NY, Paul and Kathy Harris of Chapel Hill, NC, Thomas and Jenifer Harris of Hillsborough, NC and Kristin and Thomas McLoughlin of Poughquag, NY. Bill was also so proud of his seven grandchildren, Jenna Harris, Kelsey Harris, Andrew Harris, Hayley McLoughlin, Alice McLoughlin, Jake Harris and Billy Harris. He is also survived by his brother Alexander and his wife Mary Lou of Decatur, IL. He was predeceased by his sister Catherine in 2011.

An avid sports fan Bill was always following the sport of the season. He cheered for the NY Mets, NY Giants and Notre Dame. His most favorite thing in the world was sweets; he was affectionately called “the cookie monster” by his wife. Bill also had a great love for reading and doing the NY Times crossword puzzle every day. He was a devout Catholic, most recently a parishioner at St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction.

Calling hours will be Sunday April 7 from 2-6 at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home 491 Mamaroneck Ave. White Plains, NY (914) 949-7777. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Monday April 8 at St. Denis Church Beekman Rd. Hopewell Junction. 

This obituary was provided by McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home