Charles "Chuck" Harris

Charles (Chuck) D. Harris, age 75, of Fairview, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday March 6, 2024. He was born in Erie on October 4, 1948, a son of the late Charles J. and Mary C. Harris.

Chuck will be remembered as a true gentleman, always seeing the good in everyone and everything. He put his whole heart into the things he loved, especially his family and pets. He enjoyed living on the shore of Lake Erie, and could spend hours watching local wildlife and going for long walks with his beloved dogs. He passionately loved all sports, especially playing golf at the Kahkwa Club. He was passionate about cars, and leaves behind his cherished 1967 Shelby Cobra GT 350, that he saved up to purchase himself at age 19 and kept in pristine condition. He always had a smile on his face and expressed a deep appreciation for the life he had. While always a consummate professional, Chuck loved to laugh, and could be reduced to tears by the successful deployment of a well-placed whoopee cushion.  

Chuck attended Western Reserve Academy in Ohio for high school, where he wrestled, competed in track and field, played football, and developed his life-long love of sports and fitness. He graduated in 1966, and went on to complete a B.S. in finance from Syracuse University (1970) and an M.B.A. at Gannon University.

Chuck thrived at Syracuse University. He was a rower on the men’s varsity crew team where he made life-long friends. His boatmates affectionately referred to him as “Chuck the Truck” after he became one of the few to split an oar during a race. Anyone who knew Chuck knew how much he loved his alma mater - the only clothes he owned other than professional garb was SU themed (even his socks!) and could always be found sporting a pair of orange Crocs. He got back to Syracuse for football and basketball games whenever he could and followed the Orange basketball team to Texas, Hawaii, and even the Bahamas. His fond memories of his years at the university led him to orchestrate a fundraising campaign to improve the indoor practice facilities for the men and women’s varsity crew teams. He also served on the board at the Whitman School of Management for many years.  

After graduating, Chuck returned home to Erie, PA and married his high school sweetheart Barbara in 1971. In 1972 he joined Marine Bank and  began an illustrious career in banking. Chuck was extremely successful in his work, becoming a Certified Financial Planner and always going above and beyond for his clients. He retired in 2019 as a Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and Senior Portfolio Manager at PNC Bank after 47 years of loyal service.

Chuck was also a passionate and committed member of the Erie community. He volunteered as a guest lecturer at Penn State, Gannon University, and various finance events. Additionally, he served on many boards including: Flagship Niagara League as President, Hamot Health Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and as Fairview School Board Treasurer for many years.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Barbara, his son Drew (Valerie) Harris of New York and two grandchildren that he adored, Lainey and Jack. He is further survived by his brother Stephen Harris of Erie, sister Mary Janet Callahan, nephews Sean and Patrick Callahan, niece and goddaughter Alexa Potter, special friend and living kidney donor Jamie Miller.

Friends are invited to call on the family at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 West 26th St. (at Powell Ave.) on Tuesday March 12th from 4pm-6pm and on Wednesday March 13th from 3pm until the time of the service at 5pm. Service will be live streamed at ​www.facebook.com/BurtonQuinnScott/​​​ A celebration of life will take place this summer at the beach as well.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UPMC’s Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, the Harris Faculty Fellowship at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, or a charity of one’s choice.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.