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Stephen Robert Harris

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Stephen Robert Harris

Birth
Melrose, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA
Death
18 May 2020 (aged 82)
Bedford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA
Burial
Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA Add to Map
Plot
Section 68 Site 1242
Memorial ID
View Source
LT. COMMANDER STEPHEN R. HARRIS
U.S. NAVY RETIRED
AGE 82 YEARS

Lt. Commander Stephen R. Harris, U.S. Navy (Ret.), a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at the EN Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Bedford on Monday, May 18, 2020. Stephen was the son of the late Robert S. Harris and Eleanor L. (Van Buskirk) Harris.

Stephen was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. He entered the ROTC program while at Harvard University. Upon his graduation in 1960, he was immediately commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and served as a communications officer aboard two Navy ships positioned in the Atlantic in the early 1960's. After being sent to Russian language school, Stephen served most of his Naval career as a cryptologist (communications intelligence specialist).

Serving his country with humble dedication and pride, Stephen was the officer in charge of the USS Pueblo's communications intelligence when the ship was captured by the North Koreans during the Vietnam War. Stephen survived 11 months as a POW in North Korea, and was honored with military awards including the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and two Navy Commendation Medals. Stephen retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Commander in 1981 at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego.

Following his Naval career, Stephen was employed at a South Central Los Angeles high school as the head of a Navy Jr. ROTC program until 1995. He then served as a substitute teacher in high schools in southern California before moving back to Melrose in 1997.

A steam-powered train enthusiast, Steve was involved with many train organizations throughout New England. He also helped refurbish a vintage Pullman Sleeper Car train that traveled on the railways for special events. An old soul, Steve had a passion for trains, and enjoyed learning and sharing his love for the railroads with his friends and family.

Stephen was the beloved husband of Elizabeth "Beth" (Gould) Harris, and the late Esther (Uotinen) Harris. Devoted father of Christiana L. Harris of Lowell, Colby G. Harris of Lynn, Robert S. Harris, II of Malden, and Eric J. Holmes of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of 5 grandchildren.

Interment with military honors presented by the U.S. Navy at Arlington National Cemetery.
Arrangements: Robinson Funeral Home
Published in The Boston Globe on May 24, 2020
LT. COMMANDER STEPHEN R. HARRIS
U.S. NAVY RETIRED
AGE 82 YEARS

Lt. Commander Stephen R. Harris, U.S. Navy (Ret.), a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at the EN Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Bedford on Monday, May 18, 2020. Stephen was the son of the late Robert S. Harris and Eleanor L. (Van Buskirk) Harris.

Stephen was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. He entered the ROTC program while at Harvard University. Upon his graduation in 1960, he was immediately commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and served as a communications officer aboard two Navy ships positioned in the Atlantic in the early 1960's. After being sent to Russian language school, Stephen served most of his Naval career as a cryptologist (communications intelligence specialist).

Serving his country with humble dedication and pride, Stephen was the officer in charge of the USS Pueblo's communications intelligence when the ship was captured by the North Koreans during the Vietnam War. Stephen survived 11 months as a POW in North Korea, and was honored with military awards including the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and two Navy Commendation Medals. Stephen retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Commander in 1981 at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego.

Following his Naval career, Stephen was employed at a South Central Los Angeles high school as the head of a Navy Jr. ROTC program until 1995. He then served as a substitute teacher in high schools in southern California before moving back to Melrose in 1997.

A steam-powered train enthusiast, Steve was involved with many train organizations throughout New England. He also helped refurbish a vintage Pullman Sleeper Car train that traveled on the railways for special events. An old soul, Steve had a passion for trains, and enjoyed learning and sharing his love for the railroads with his friends and family.

Stephen was the beloved husband of Elizabeth "Beth" (Gould) Harris, and the late Esther (Uotinen) Harris. Devoted father of Christiana L. Harris of Lowell, Colby G. Harris of Lynn, Robert S. Harris, II of Malden, and Eric J. Holmes of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of 5 grandchildren.

Interment with military honors presented by the U.S. Navy at Arlington National Cemetery.
Arrangements: Robinson Funeral Home
Published in The Boston Globe on May 24, 2020


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