Stephen HARRIS

1951 - 2016

Stephen HARRIS

1951 - 2016

Stephen HARRIS Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 20, 2016.
HARRIS, Stephen "Steve" Died November 17, 2016 at the age of 65. Steve is the owner and president of Rixan Associates Inc - an industrial robotics company that's been operating in the Dayton area since 1959. The son of Aaron "Rick" and Beatrice Harris, Steve was born in Brooklyn, New York July 22, 1951. The Harris family moved to Dayton when Steve was a young child and he attended Shiloh Elementary School and graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1969. He then moved on to attend Bowling Green State University where he received his bachelor's degree in Chemistry. This is where Steve met the love of his life, Deborah "Deb" Wycoff and they married in June 1974. Working for Nalco Chemical Company for 10 years, Steve & Deb lived in Schereville, IN, Fort Wayne, IN, and St. Louis, MO. The move to Dayton was made in winter 1983, when he joined his father as a partner in Rixan. Steve, a natural entrepreneur, transformed the business from government suppliers to a robotics and turn-key automation systems company. Steve & Deb's first child Amanda "Mandy" was born in January 1986 followed by son Alexander "Al" in February 1990. Steve's biggest passion outside of work was Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Starting as a race car driver, Steve ascended through the ranks to become a member of SCCA's executive board. Steve's love of all things automobile, resulted in his co-founding of the Dayton Concours d'Elegance, which he chaired for 10 years. Another interest was football, where, besides agonizing over the Bengals, he coached his son Al in Centerville's Wee Elks program for 6 years. Steve & Deb counted traveling, hiking, and wine among their many interests together. A loving husband, incredibly devoted father, and great friend to many. Steve will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. Steve is also survived by his mother Bea Harris (Dayton, OH) and his sister Joan Steinberg (Augusta, GA). Funeral service will be held Monday 1:00 PM at Temple Israel 130 Riverside Drive. Rabbi Tina Sobo officiating. Interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. GLICKLER FUNERAL HOME is handling arrangements.

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December 5, 2016

Mike Shank posted to the memorial.

November 28, 2016

Betsy Molitor-Duckro posted to the memorial.

November 28, 2016

Bob Fields posted to the memorial.

Mike Shank

December 5, 2016

Deb- I just learned about Steve today....I'm so sorry of for your loss. Steve was a very large part of my racing world early on and I remember that today.
Mike Shank

Betsy Molitor-Duckro

November 28, 2016

Dear Deb,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Steve... you know I am envious of the long marriage/friendship you had together! You are also blessed to have Mandy and Al at your side. I miss you, my best friend from my Kettering days! Please come to visit me soon!

Love,
Betsy

Bob Fields

November 28, 2016

Debbie,

We just returned and heard the news. Our deepest condolences, you and Steve were great friends to us during our Dayton years and it seems like yesterday that he was steward for us at Mid-Ohio.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob and Ingrid

Raymond Jason

November 27, 2016

To the Harris family: we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers through these tough days ahead. Steve will be missed by all in the SCCA family that he so tirelessly worked for.

November 26, 2016

My deepest sympathy to you and heartfelt prayers for you and your wonderful family.
May you continue to be thankful for the life you shared together. Linda Meadows

Bob Barron

November 25, 2016

To the Harris family: I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Steve on several automation projects during my tenure at P&G and I was always impressed by his enthusiasm, inventiveness and willingness to work with us on strange, one-off projects that would almost never lead to replicate systems. Peace be with all of you in your grief.

Sandra Raglan

November 25, 2016

Dear Deb and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Meadowdale Lion

Bev Montgomery

November 24, 2016

So sorry for the family's loss. God Bless

Praying for the family.

Beverly Montgomery

November 24, 2016

Bill Clyburn

November 23, 2016

I am so very shocked to learn of Steve's death. I have known Steve through ATMAE and through his educational gifts to the Automation program at Indiana State University for over 15 years. I last talked to Steve just a couple of weeks ago during the ATMAE Conference in Orlando, and he was telling me of his retirement plans and all the things he had planned to do now that he would have the time. This makes it so very sad to hear of his passing. I will keep his family in my prayers.

Glen Hughes

November 22, 2016

So Sorry for your loss he will be missed.

Ryan McManus

November 22, 2016

Steve was a valuable asset to SCCA racing and had the rare ability to see both driver and steward side of issues that would arise. His leadership and personality will be greatly missed at the track. God speed Steve.

Verna Fitzsimmons

November 22, 2016

Steve was a champion for higher education and will be missed.

Kevin Berisso

November 21, 2016

Steve was a wonderful friend to higher education... His support was always appreciated and it is unfortunate that future robotics and automation students will miss out on his insight, wisdom and humor.

-Kevin Berisso
University of Memphis

Chad Laux

November 21, 2016

Dear family and friends,

I was shocked to learn of Steve's passing. He was a great leader for our robotics competition and great supporter of college students. I recall working with Steve many times and was always thankful that he was such a pleasure to work with. My thoughts are with all of you.

Regards,

Chad Laux

David Wyatt

November 21, 2016

I am very sorry for this tragic loss. Steve will be missed

Rick Coscarelli

November 21, 2016

Very sorry for your loss...I knew Steve through ATMAE when I was Executive Director, what a great guy - Rick Coscarelli

Bill Armitage

November 21, 2016

Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Steve at Mid-Ohio, he was fun to be around and was looking forward to getting to know him better......He will be missed.

Pia & Rosalee Kanistros

November 21, 2016

To all the Harris family,
We were just shocked and devastated on hearing the passing of Stephen today. We are so very, very sorry. Stephen was an exceptional young man.He was our neighbor and went to school where he, Joanie, my sister and I went to school ( Shiloh & Meadowdale). Bea a very dear beloved friend. May God be holding him in His arms, knowing everlasting peace, comfort and joy. May he be with those who have gone ahead and greeted him to his eternal home. May God keep you near to His heart, and be with you during this time of extreme of loss and grief. IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO PLEASE ASK! God Bless you all!

Duc Phung

November 21, 2016

I deeply present my condolences to Steve 's family. He was a very nice friend and good partner! Visiting Steve' house to see Steve and Deb was my biggest chance, You shall be missed here as our US friend!

Jude Summers

November 21, 2016

Steve was a great leader in our organization of the SCCA and to me a mentor, coach, and friend. I appreciated his belief in me and my talents through the years and accepted his offer "many years" ago to become Great Lakes Scheduler, for our division. He as the obituary stated was a great friend to many, personally I will miss his cantor and is bright smile. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss, he leaves a great legacy ... but know his love is always with you all.

Jude Summers

Trent Fisher

November 20, 2016

Our sympathies to the family and business team. Steve was sincere, down to earth, and an astute businessman.

My pleasure to know him, and he will be missed by all.

Trent Fisher
SAS Automation

Boris Tirpack

November 20, 2016

My condolences to Steve's family, Steve was a great person and a friend.

Steve Demeter

November 20, 2016

My deepest sympathies to Steve's family for this shocking loss.

Steve was one of the finest people I have ever had the honor of knowing.

Lauri Burkons

November 20, 2016

My condolences to the whole family. Steve was a mentor to me and many others. He touched many, many people, especially through his participation and work in the SCCA. He is very much missed.

May his memory be a blessing.

John Miller

November 20, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Harris and Rixan families. I knew Mr Harris for many years. His passion for robotics and commitment to his staff was admirable. Mr. Harris will be sorely missed.
John Miller
Repair Department Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc

November 20, 2016

Our heartfelt condolences. Steve was a wonderful man who enjoyed our passion for fine automobiles, and it as a pleasure to share that with him over the past 20 years.
Dave Lee
Voss Village BMW.

Susan Steinberg

November 20, 2016

Please accept my sincere condolences at this time, such a sudden loss! Though the void feels insurmountable and tremendous at this time, it will soon fill with all of the warm and wonderful memories that may be cherished forever and cannot be taken away. They are yours to keep and hold in your heart always. May Stephen's memory be a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Susan

Susan Steinberg

November 19, 2016

Please accept my sincere condolences at this time. Such sudden loss! Though the void feels tremendous at this time, it will soon fill with all of the wonderful memories that may be cherished forever and can never be taken away. May Stephen's memory be a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Susan

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Glickler Funeral Home & Cremation Service

1849 Salem Ave, Dayton, OH 45406

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Sign Stephen HARRIS's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 5, 2016

Mike Shank posted to the memorial.

November 28, 2016

Betsy Molitor-Duckro posted to the memorial.

November 28, 2016

Bob Fields posted to the memorial.