Robert Harris

Robert L. Harris, age 86, of Erie, passed away at his residence on Thursday, September 6, 2018.  He was born in New Brighton, PA on February 29, 1932, a son of the late Olyn L. and Ruth Hecker Harris.

Robert moved to Erie in 1955 after serving his country, for 4 years in the U. S. Navy, as a 1st class Petty Officer. Robert attended Boston University and Penn State Behrend. Robert worked at Copes Vulcan Inc., in Erie, for 40 years, retiring as an engineering manager. He was an avid sportsman and belonged to the Erie chapter of Trout Unlimited, Fort Erie Muzzle Loaders, and Gem City Outdoorsman. During his retirement, he volunteered his time collecting, preserving and cataloging Presque Isle Park wild flowers for the Natural History Collections at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Martha Petry.

Survivors include his son, Philip (Deborah) Harris of Syracuse, NY; three daughters, Bobbi (Robert) Russ of Cocoa Beach Fl, Barbara (James) Pellegrino of Edinboro, PA, and Valerie (Gregory) McKenney and their son Garrison McKenney of Colorado Springs, CO. and Roberts children’s mother, Mrs. Norah B. Neuroh. His grandchildren include Jennifer Hawkins (Matthew) and their four children, William (Whitney) Russ, Desiree (Benjamin) Hannigan and their son. Capt. Andrew Harris USAF and his wife Lorelei, Timothy (Amanda) Harris and their twin daughters also survive.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26^th St. (at Powell), on

Monday, September 10, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ronald Freeborn as Celebrant.

Burial will follow in Erie County Memorial Gardens with full Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation, 301 Peninsula Drive #1, Erie, PA 16505.