Search by Name

Search by Name

William Harris Obituary

1933 - 2018
William F. Harris passed away peacefully on January 8th, 2018 in Dallas, Texas where he has lived since 2001. Bill was 84 years old.
He was born in Scranton, PA on November 25th, 1933 and spent most of his childhood in West Pittston, PA where his father ran a local grocery store. After moving to Long Island in his senior year of high school, he met and married Carole Schmidt. They had 4 children, Michael, Ellen, Scott and Matthew (deceased). They were divorced in the early 1970's after which time he resided in New York City.
During the 1960's Bill worked for ABC Radio but moved on to doing promotions for Dell Comics. Soon he became an editor and writer of comics for Dell, Gold Key and Western Publishing. He wrote the "The Phantom" and edited "Bullwinkle" comics during this time, among others. He also worked for King Features and did licensing work for the movie, "The Yellow Submarine". Bill later worked for the New York Times for 25 years as the Assistant to the Promotion Manager
In the early 1980's he met and married Pamela Chase who is from Dallas, Texas. After leaving The Times, he became a prolific freelance writer publishing over 100 travel and history related books including over a dozen about New York City. These include titles such as "One Thousand New York Buildings", "The Plaza Hotel", "The History of New York City", "The First Ladies Fact Book" and "Hell Fighters of Harlem". His wife Pam helped greatly by researching many of the photographs used in some of the books he wrote.
He was also a licensed tour guide in NYC, giving many walking tours dealing with the history of various neighborhoods in Manhattan and in 1989 received an award from the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau for service to the visitor's industry.
Bill Harris is survived by his wife Pamela Harris, his children Michael Harris and partner Laura Contin of West Babylon, Long Island, NY, Ellen Harris Winslow and husband Robert Winslow of Shrewsbury, PA, and Scott Harris of Patchogue, Long Island, NY. He is also survived by his step-children Michael D. Chase of Houston, TX, Candace Chase of Dallas, TX, Cord Chase and wife Jocelyn Chase of Alexandria, VA, and Gable Chase Shaikh and husband Ed Shaikh of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by 3 grandsons, 5 step-granddaughters and 5 step-grandsons.
Bill was dearly loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed keeping up with current events, listening to classical music and opera as well as jazz greats of the 1950's (including Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee among many others) and was a voracious reader of books and the daily New York Times edition. In earlier years, he enjoyed travel and especially loved Venice, Italy. He was fond of history, the circus and his beloved cats.
Memorial services will take place in New York City in the near-future. Please contact Ellen Winslow ([email protected]) if you are interested in attending.

Published by New York Times from Jan. 22 to Jan. 23, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Harris

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Dear Ellen, Rob, and the rest of the family. We were sorry to hear of your father's passing. Know that we are thinking of you.

Vonnie and Ernie Crist

January 24, 2018

Ellen, Rob, Sam Winslow and the Harris family, both Kathy and I wish you all peace in your time of sorrow and loss.

Rick Tracey

January 22, 2018

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

January 22, 2018

To the family and friends of William, you have my deepest sympathy. There usually is not much that anyone can say at a time like this, that will make you feel better. I pray in time that the pain you feel now will turn to joy when you think of your loved one, and how much he enjoyed life, his family and his friends & think of the wonderful future God promises us. John 6:40
EW, NY

January 22, 2018

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in William Harris's name

Memorial Events
for William Harris

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Harris's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more