Obituary of John L. Harris

CHESHIRE - John L. Harris, punster, lover of good wines and great stories, died Wednesday January 13th after a brief, unexpected illness, with his wife, Patti Flynn-Harris and son Zack Harris by his side and holding his hands. He was born in Oberlin, OH April 22, 1945 to Daniel A. and Aletha (Stacey) Harris and predeceased by them and his brother Daniel E. Harris. He graduated DePauw University and Yale School of Divinity. He managed Wine & Whiskey, a local Cheshire business for 15 years. After career adventures and travels with Eider Brothers, Inc., Brescome Distributors (now Brescome Barton), Monsieur Henri Wines (now Gemini Spirits & Wine), Mommessin Wines, Schieffelin Distributors, and Executive Acura, he returned to Cheshire to work for Cheshire Package Store. But wine women and song were not his only loves. He loved, when his health allowed, hiking Connecticut’s forests and fields. He could name birds by their songs, indentify mushrooms and flowers at a glance, point out constellations and all their stars. He was so proud of his great-great-grandfather, Charles Stacey, who won the Medal of Honor at the Battle of Gettysburg, that he became a scholar of the Civil War, and could expound on battles, strategies and personalities at the drop of a hat. He loved the stories and legends of Native Americans and indigenous peoples of all nations. From his faith and Yale Divinity School background, he could discuss biblical passages with insight. He loved to cook, to work in his gardens, and enjoyed God’s nature around him. But more than anything, he loved his family, Patti, Zack, daughter-in-law Heather and especially his grandsons Ethan and Eli. His love extended to his sisters-and brothers- in-law, Maribeth Flynn and Tom Gubanich, Peggy Flynn, Matthew Flynn and Marty and Cathy Flynn. He leaves behind hundreds of stories that will make them smile and laugh for years. But they will miss him telling them. Visiting hours will be Saturday, January 23th 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. A prayer service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.