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R. Harris Obituary

R. Steve Harris, 63 PORTLAND -- R. Steve Harris, 63, died after a long battle with complications from Diabetes. Born in Washington, D.C., to George and Isabella Harris on Oct. 23, 1945, Steve attended schools in Washington, D.C., Lap Az, Bolivia, and Skowhegan, where he graduated in 1963. He also attended classes in Los Angeles, Calif. Steve's first career was in men's apparel, starting with the management of discount chains such as Mammoth Mart. He then moved to the wholesale end as a manufacturer's representative for multiple companies such as Fruit of the Loom, Hathaway, Wolverine and others. At the same time, he also owned the Richmond Apparel Outlet and Harris Distributors. One of his dreams was to operate his own restaurant & pub, so he moved to Portland in 1975 and began bartending. He worked for Yesterdays on Commercial Street, the VFW in South Portland The Sportsman's Grill, The Seaman's Club, and Boothby Square Tavern. Steve and his wife Rosie purchased Ruski's Pub in 1985 and began to full fill his dream. They ran it for 20 years before his health issues made it time to retire. They purchased Boothby Square Tavern in 1987 which became known as Rosie's Restaurant & Pub on Fore Street in Portland's Old Port District. He sat on the board of the Old Port Association, was commissioner of The K League Softball Teams, and became an advocate in many of the disputes on restaurant regulations in Augusta. He and his wife felt strongly on helping out the West End and the families in need and established Harris Charities. He ran cruises, auctions and many other fund raising projects to help out organizations such as, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, food shelters, Youth Alternatives, and other West End Projects. Being a member of the Eagles Club, and The Elks Lodge in Skowhegan, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. When he got free time Steve's enjoyment came from his trips to his family camp at Mayfield Pond. Steve is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Rose Asali Harris; his son Jim Harris of Raymond, his daughter, Sandra Harris-Batakis and her husband Alan Batakis of Peabody, Mass.; and four grandchildren, Steve, Alexis, Samantha and Ashley. Steve is also survived by his brother Ric Harris, his sisters Ellen Cranford, Linda Petrell, Cathy Harris and Lana Shaw; along with 25 nieces and nephews; and 26 great-nieces and nephews. Steve loved his family and said so often. Steve was predeceased by his parents; his sister Virginia, and brothers Mitchell, Jeff, Will and Jim. A reflection of his life will be held Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jones, Rich and Hutchins, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Following will be a few brief memories to be shared at 12 p.m. Casual attire requested, as Steve would have liked. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Portland West Learning Center 181 Brackett St. Portland, Maine 04102 Morrison Development Center 70 U.S. Rt. 1 Scarborough, Maine 04074-9658 or Big Brother/Big Sister Foundation 85 Main St. Brunswick, Maine 04011 R. Steve Harris Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home & Cremation Service 775-3763


Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Jul. 12, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
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To Rosie, Jim and Sandy. I know how hard July is to get thru. For me it's October. Steve may be gone but he is very much alive in my heart. I still miss those monthly phone calls and hearing about his charity projects. That is one thing we both enjoyed. Often Mitchell and I talk about Steve and his 'big heart'. I would like to have just one more phone call. Thinking of you, Rosie, Jim and Sandy and missing Steve. Mickey Harris

Mickey Harris

Brother

July 13, 2019

Rose, Jimmy and Sandy,

I know this month has been tough, Rose, you losing your husband and Jimmy and Sandy losing your Dad. Mom and I have often talked about Uncle Steve and his big heart.

I look back over the years and I have very fond memories of uncle Steve. Most of all I believe Uncle Steve always put his family first, and that says it all.

Love,
Mitch

Mitch Harris

August 10, 2009

We will miss Steve. He always made us feel at home and welcome on our visits to Rosie's.

Bruce and Melissa Storer

July 25, 2009

So sorry Rosie..My heart is with you now and always.

Love,

Lucia

Lucia Pastore

July 23, 2009

Rose & Family, I only met Steve a couple of times at Rosie's when I was with my son Joe Gallant. I always go with first inpressions. A warm caring man. By the letters written on this guest book, my feelings were justified. My heart weeps for you
Donna Gallant

Donna Gallant

July 22, 2009

Rose Jimmy Sandy  So Sorry to here about steve. I will miss him. God bless

Michael Earley

July 21, 2009

Rose,Sandy & Jimmy-my heart, prayers and thoughts continue to be with you. And the sympathy and thoughts go to all family. No brilliant words-but the love is as brilliant as it gets. I thought it to be appropriate to quote Steve from a letter he sent me when Donny died. Steve's words:
"If you love someone they take a piece of your heart that no one will ever replace."
Yes-he is irreplaceable, the ultimate character with the gift of making you feel special. Love, Donna

Donna Quick

July 21, 2009

Rose, I will never forget working for you and Steve at Rosie's. I am saddened and sorry for your lose.

Mickey Sileo

July 21, 2009

Steve,i will always remember the guy that drove me home the night my daughter was born,going to miss you ,but will remember what a great fried you were thanks mate
Duffy williams,and family

Duffy Williams

July 18, 2009

Rose, Jim, Sandy and family,
I will always remember Steve and the glory days of our youth in Skowhegan with a smile.

With deepest sympathy,

Mike Staples

Mike Staples

July 18, 2009

Rosie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Steve will be missed very much by myself, and my family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Ed (Chico) Costales

July 18, 2009

Wayne and Gina Keniston remember Steve as being a great neighbor and very friendly, Also he was great when we met at the mail box he was always very freindly and he always was talking about Rosie and what she was up to.

Wayne & Gina Keniston

July 18, 2009

Sweet Rose
I pray God's Grace embraces you, as you and your family breath.

Linda O"Brion

July 18, 2009

The Harris Family
My Deepest Sympathy on your loss.
May God bless the Harris Family.
If there is anything I can do for any of you please call Bug-Off Pest.

John Coyne

July 18, 2009

My thoughts are with you during this tough time.

Curtis Hamilton

July 18, 2009

Rosie,

My deepest sympathy on your loss. With your and Steve's deep compassion for those less fortunate and tireless generosity, his legacy will live long in the hearts of the community and inspire others to carry on his work.

Louis Asali

July 17, 2009

To the Harris Family,
Steve was a wonderful friend during high school, and from reading all of the comments about him here, I'd say he never changed. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.

Kathy (Norton) Johnson

July 16, 2009

sandy,jim..i am sorry for your loss....your dad is one of those people in which taught me at a young age to enjoy life....i will never forget staying at his house with you two ...exploring the streets of portland...i ate my first bagel at his house...every time i eat one i actually think of him....weird but true....dried apples from his window...another first...the park across the street...and not to mention the recent times trying to see him at my constant attempts at rosies ,in which i enjoyed dinner and good times...he will be missed by many ,as well as me included...your friend joe demasky

July 16, 2009

Rose:
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Edna Bailey

July 15, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rosie and your family.
Steve will be fondly remembered.

Terry & Linda Horr

July 15, 2009

Rosie, Sandy & Jimmy,

I know how deep the sadness is today. I, also, know your many good memories will be a big help in getting you thru the roughest of times.

Steve was 0ne-of-a-kind.
During these last (over 20) years since Ed (Mitchell) died, Steve has called me every month. I will miss him and those phone calls!

Steve has left such a legacy for you all to be proud of. He was always looking to see who he could help, and he helped many. He was only my brother-inlaw, but I loved him!

Mickey Harris

July 14, 2009

Thank you Steve for the great memories of the "no pig, beef & fish is the dish" parties, and from Rosies. Laughter, great food, lots of good drink, great music, and the best of friends all got together through the extreme generosity of Steve Harris; a great guy, who gave from his heart. My sincere sympathies to Rosie, and Jimmy.

John Dow

July 14, 2009

Steve, Dick Schwartz, and I had entirely too much fun together! I remember how good it felt to be part of that trio and how much we all were one and yet remained individuals. Steve's sense of humor was somewhat bizarre yet very, very funny and no one was safe! His charity was unparalleled by anyone I've ever known.
Rosie, you and Steve brought happiness, humor, and help to many, many people. I am proud to be your friend.

Ken Winter

July 14, 2009

Rose, Jim & Sandy, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this time of loss & grief. I will always remember the kindness Steve extended to me and the love that your family shared. May God's peace be with you.

Melanie McKean

July 14, 2009

Steve and Rose have been fantastic movers in our community for quite some time. The effort put forth to create and maintain the Legacy of their union has touched so many and given us such rich and beautiful memories. Through all of the good times, and the difficult ones, Steve always had a kind word and an optimistic attitude when someone lesser may have taken the easy route and sold the business to take a job. Thank you for sticking it out and employing myself and all of the other people who enjoyed our time with you. Rose, god bless you and yours in this surely difficult time.

Greg Owen

July 13, 2009

Dear Rosie & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you upon learning of your loss.
We fondly remember good times had at your pub when my nephew Don Campbell played music for some of your most worthwhile charities.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are there in Maine with you during this most difficult time.
God bless
Dan & Mary (Foley) Sylvester

Dan & Mary(Foley) Sylvester

July 13, 2009

My thoughts are with you and your family Rosie.I lift up my glass for a toast to Steve,as I know he would of done for me.Here's to you looking down on us all.Rest In peace...
Sincerely Gary

Gary U

July 13, 2009

Rosie’s was a second home to me for many years and Steve was like a larger than life big brother, always happy to see you and always genuinely interested in how you were doing. Those years meant a great deal to me. I will always cherish that time. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rose and the family.

Derek Berlew

July 13, 2009

Steve was a wonderful man who will be missed. I will miss our chats about life. heart felt condolences to the whole family.

mitch lutzke

July 13, 2009

Steve was a gentleman; always full of laughter and intelligence. His anecdotes about the bar business in Porltand were some of the funniest I ever heard. We always talked about writing a book just on the craziness of the business. I guess it is left up to me now.
My sympathy to the family. Steve was a wonderful man.

Darrell McBreairty

July 13, 2009

Thoughts and memories of Steve will never end. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Richard Semprini

July 13, 2009

We are very sad to hear of Steve's passing. He will be missed!

Chris and Nina Brown

July 13, 2009

Dear Sandy, Jimmy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Though it has been over 30 years since I have seen Steve, I remember him and his gregarious personality well and will always hold fond memories of him. He was a great guy! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lorica (Mesenzeff) Cummings

July 13, 2009

I am truly sorry to know how tough this time is for you. If there is one thing I am sure of.........it's that you will see your way through with help of friends, family, and those who will walk by your side. I wish you the companionship of comfort,the gentleness of peace, the serenity,strength, and every single thing that will put your heart at ease.

Marlene Harris

July 13, 2009

Rosie and family:
We are very sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Bonnevie

Kelly Bonnevie

July 13, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dolores Hayes

July 13, 2009

Steve was a wonderful man and always kind and giving. My Deepest sympathy for your loss. I have fond memeories of his kindness to me through the years. He was a special man.

Mary Anne Weeman

July 13, 2009

Dear Rose, Jimmy, Sandy and Family,

May peace be with you...

The friendship, caring and concern that Steve bestowed on those around him will be missed.

Love, Kara

Kara La Lomia

July 12, 2009

Rosie & Jimmy,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together, as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sully

Peter Sullivan

July 12, 2009

Sandra and Family -

We're so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.

The Kanarkiewicz Family

July 12, 2009

Rose & Family,
Steve always had a wonderful story to tell & a smile on his face. He was always there to lend a hand and an ear. He will be sadly missed. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I know he would want us all to get out there and enjoy.

Theresa (Schwartz) Champagne

July 12, 2009

Uncle Steve Sir was one of a kind....and Rosie, you were the rock that kept him grounded....We loved him, and we love you.

John Harris

July 12, 2009

Steve was always friendly and kind to me, willing to share a joke or commiserate about the pub business.
My deepest sympathy to Rose and Jimmy.

Steve Angelone

July 12, 2009

From the time of my first visit to Maine with his sister, and my dear friend Virginia, over 30 years ago, Steve was an "adopted" brother and good friend. Endless numbers of phone calls, letters and thoughts passed between us and revealed to me the priceless and good man he is. Only one thing seemed bigger than his bravado...his heart and his compassion. I thank God for the gift he is in my life. I know God believed deeply in Steve...and I suspect Steve returned the favor. To love is to be in God after all, and Steve did PLENTY of that...I will miss you brotha!

Msgr. Mke McCarron

July 12, 2009

Dear Rose& Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.may the support of friends and family be with you during this time.Steve was a wonderful man and will be missed by all.

Love Charlie,Tina,Kayla

July 12, 2009

Our most tender prayers are with all the Harris family in this time of sorrow. Steve will be sorely missed for his love of family and his community involvement and contributions. Much love, sister Ellen Cranford, Savannah, GA

July 12, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Alan Bonville

July 12, 2009

Rose,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Steve was like a father to me during my tenure at Rosie's. He will be missed.

Jodie Griffith

July 12, 2009

Dear Rose & Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Steve's family on your recent loss. May you take comfort in remembering the good times that you all had as a family and the fact that you still have each other. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and our hearts during this most difficult time.

Love, Judy & Charlie

Judy Fogg

July 12, 2009

What a sad day..I am sorry to hear about your loss..my thoughts and prayers are with you Rosie and the rest of the family. He always had a smile.

Pamela Cross-Charette

July 12, 2009

Steve, you're a true blood brother. No one can replace you.

Dick Schwartz

July 12, 2009

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