Richard S Harris

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Richard S. Harris, a devoted husband, father, and community servant, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, in his home at the age of 85.

Born on July 25, 1939, in Ilion, New York, Richard was the son of the late W. Scott and Dorothy V. Blume Harris. He grew up in Richfield Springs, graduating from Richfield Springs High School with the Class of 1957. On April 11, 1964, he married his beloved wife, Monica Thiel, in St. Joseph's Church, Richfield Springs, a union that lasted for sixty-one years.

For many years, Richard worked for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Richfield Springs before retiring in 1994. He was an animal lover and took in numerous strays over the years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and sharing laughter with friends through his signature jokes.

Richard's commitment to his community was unwavering. As a dedicated member of the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department, he served in various capacities, including as secretary, demonstrating his strong leadership skills and commitment to public service. He also coached Little League Baseball for his own children and many other youth in the community, providing guidance, support, and positive role modeling that had a lasting impact on their lives. Additionally, he served as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts, guiding countless young lives along the way.

A friend to many, Richard will be deeply missed. Besides his wife of sixty-one years, Monica, he is survived by his son, T. Scott Harris (Richfield Springs); daughter, Patricia Smicinski (The Villages, Florida), and her husband, Bob; brother, Lynn Harris (Richfield Springs); sisters, Carol Camp (Waterville) and Diane Beam (Mohawk), and husband, Guy; and three grandchildren, Olivia Harris (Greensburg, Kentucky), Matthew Smicinski and wife, Amber (Watchung, New Jersey), and Julie Smicinski and husband, James (Columbia, Maryland). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard was predeceased by his son, Michael.

Calling hours for Mr. Harris will be held on Monday, June 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home Inc., 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 10th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph the Worker Church, 35 Canadarago Street, Richfield Springs, with Reverend Father Brian Lehnert officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in memory of Richard to St. Joseph the Worker Church, Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department, or the Richfield Springs Youth Sports. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.