John Joseph Harris

John Joseph “Jay” Harris, 89, of Stamford, Connecticut passed into eternal rest on December 27, 2020 to reunite with his loving parents Gordon and Esther Harris, brother Phillip, and son Robert Michael. His battle with multiple medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite moments with pain, Jay continued to center life around love of family, community, serving God, and the joy of Jesus. John is survived by his only wife, Ethna Harris, mother to his children: Kevin (Tonya), Dennis (Ingrid), Colleen, Roger (Claudia) and Brian (Lillian); 10 grandchildren Kelsey (Jay) Lucas, Samantha, Liam, Alexa, India, William, Michaela, Zachary, Avigail, and Annabelle; 2 great-grandchildren James and Annie Lucas. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he graduated St. Anthony Parochial School and was a Franciscan postulant in the footsteps of his older brother Philip (deceased). Discerning his call outside the order, he earned degrees from Siena College and St. John’s University. While raising a family, he earned his PhD in Human Behavior Sciences at Sarasota University, FL. He worked as an educator in High Schools and Community College before transitioning to the corporate world as a managerial psychologist and trainer. His renewed devotion to Jesus Christ led to the founding of Branches Ministries based upon John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Jay remained active in ministry as a counselor, advisor, encourager and intercessor. His joy-smile-laughter-are missed and held in our hearts. The family extends our gratitude for the friends, neighbors, doctors and caretakers in Jay’s life. He valued each uniquely with the times of prayer and sharing. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 15th from 5pm – 7pm at the Bosak Funeral Home & Cremation (203) 325-9300 on 453 Shippan Ave, Stamford, CT 06902. Chapel will observe 50-person Covid-19 safety. His service will also be live streamed. To attend virtually please select “webcast video” on Jay’s obituary at www.bosakfuneralhome.com. In compliance with state mandates and the safety of all those attending his memorial, it is mandatory to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Zoom will also be used for an interactive memorial experience if technology cooperates. Jay was fond of “popcorn” testimonies so feel free to share experiences about Jay to encourage the family and each other. ZoomURL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84361783960?pwd=NXhvd3RCMzBTTDhNc0MwcEVwRkUwZz09 Meeting ID: 843 6178 3960 Passcode: 1020 A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 16th at 11am at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Jay’s request is to donate to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) https://www.macular.org/ or The 700 Club Operation Blessing, https://www.ob.org/ which serves humanitarian relief & medical aid, or the Voice of the Martyrs https://www.vom.org/. Some books from Jay’s spiritual library will be available as a parting memorial gift. Suggestions of ministries who can bless and grow others in the walk of Christ are encouraged to contact Dennis at drjaybranches@hotmail.com. To leave a condolence message online please visit the family guestbook to share memories with his family at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome

John Joseph Harris

December 15, 1931 - December 27, 2020