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LAURENCE HARRIS Obituary
LAURENCE E. HARRIS
LAURENCE E. HARRIS known as Larry was born in Baltimore, MD in 1936 to Helen and Milton Harris, passed away on May 16, 2020. He was a graduate of Columbia University from the ROTC program and served in the Navy as a lieutenant from 1958 to 1962. In 1965, he received his JD from Georgetown University. Mr. Harris began his career as a contract negotiator at Texas Instruments Inc. In 1972, he was hired as one of the first executives of what was then the fledgling MCI. As Vice President, Mr. Harris was a key member of the legal team when MCI filed and won a historic antitrust lawsuit against AT&T in 1974. In 1981 Mr. Harris - a life-long champion of Democratic candidates and causes - was appointed by Ronald Reagan to be the chief of the mass media bureau for the FCC. Mr. Harris spent most of his career in the telecommunications sector. He became the President of Metromedia where he ran their cellular phone business and was also General Counsel at Teligent, Inc. He then became senior counsel at the law firm Patton Boggs. In 2003, Mr. Harris was appointed to the Board of Directors of MCI. Mr. Harris is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan B. Harris; his two daughters, Mimi Harris Kirstein (Steven Kirstein) and Amy B. Harris (Jason Reilly); and his four grandchildren, Zachary, Kylie, Richard, and Ellis. Due to Covid-19 restrictions at this time, a memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Yellow Ribbon Fund at Georgetown Law or the charity of your choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for LAURENCE HARRIS
May 27, 2020
I had the pleasure of working in the Library right next to Larry's office at Patton Boggs for almost 10 years. His booming laugh, political insights and reactions to news of the day both good and bad will always stay with me. His pride in his daughters success and love of family was constant and obvious. Deepest sympathies Stephanie Paup
Peter Tannenwald
May 25, 2020
A good friend, an esteemed professional colleague, and a man with a good sense of humor, whom we will deeply miss.
Ken Hardman
May 24, 2020
I worked with Larry during his Telocator days, and he was an important figure in my early career. My condolences to Susan, Mimi and Amy on his loss.
Joan Vassos
May 24, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
May 23, 2020
Dear Susie and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. May Larry's memory be for a blessing.
Saradona and Len Lefkowitz
May 23, 2020
Dear Susie and family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. May Larry's memory be for a blessing.
Saradona and Len Lefkowitz
Cheryl Long
May 21, 2020
To the family: I was proud to serve with Larry as a member of the Board of Visitors of Georgetown Law Center. He was a great asset to the school and a wise, dynamic person. May he rest in peace.
Cheryl M. Long GULC'74
Senior Judge
D.C. Superior Court
joan alper
May 21, 2020
Dear Mimi,
I'm so saddened to hear of your loss.
Joan
Joel Poretsky family
May 20, 2020
Deepest Condolences to you and your family at this time
Jann Alexander
May 20, 2020
Dear Susie, Mimi, Amy,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Larry's happy outlook on life was welcomed by the Alexander kids next door. I remember him fondly as a fun, kind, and trusted neighbor. May your memories help you in this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies--Jann Alexander
May 20, 2020
Dear Susie, Mimi & Amy,
I will always remember Larry with his big heart and keen sense of humor. He was a wonderful family man and so very charismatic!
Please accept my sincere condolences amid this most difficult time. Larry is surely wrapped in the arms of angels and will be keeping an eye on his "girls" from above. Keeping you all in my prayers. Linda Alexander Beacham
Ira Carlin
May 20, 2020
Please accept my deepest sympathy, Susan. I first met Larry in the fall of 1954, when we were freshmen at Columbia. We were both in NROTC, and were good friends throughout our college years. It was always a highlight of our reunions to see him, and to meet you and get to know you as well. He was a wonderful guy, and I am greatly saddened by his passing.
N. S.
May 20, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family of Laurence Harris. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief.
Psalm 94:17-19
Tom Ryan
May 20, 2020
So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I first met him while working on the Hill, and over the next four decades had the opportunity to see Larry often on and off the Hill. He was always a joy to be around - a wonderful combination of optimism and good humor as well as highly effective advocacy. He was an all-around great guy, leaves behind many fond memories and will be greatly missed.
May 19, 2020
Dear Mimi, Amy & Mrs. Harris,
I am so sorry. My prayers are with you all.
Love,
Meaghan (McLaughlin) Williams
David Leibowitz
May 19, 2020
Susan. Joanne and I were so saddened to learn of Larry's passing. Larry was a wonderful, smart and kind person and will sorely be missed. I also let Dick and Betty Wiley know and Dick told me that Larry was one of his "all time favorites". I couldn't say it better myself! Please let us know whether they may be a memorial (whether virtual or down the road in person).
Tom and Mary Ann Ierubino
May 19, 2020
Larry was a kind and gentle spirit. He contributed greatly to the caused that he believed in. He and his family will be in our hearts and prayers.
Tom and Mary Ann Ierubino
Debbie Wilson
May 19, 2020
Larry was a wonderful person and a great boss. His sense of humor and kindness will leave a gap in the universe.
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