Frederick E. "Fred" Harris Sr.

A true people person, community contributor, talented business executive, husband, father, and grandfather, Frederick ("Fred") Edward Harris, Sr., led a full and eventful life. He died on October 4, 2025 in Manchester, N.H., age 89. He was born in Laconia, N.H., on May 24, 1936 to Goldie Evelyn Smith and Edward Wright Harris.

An Air Force veteran of the Korean war, as a young man Fred honed his skills as a salesman, serving as an executive with Woodmaster before co-founding his own successful company, Affordable Garages. In his retirement he enjoyed driving transport vehicles and forming personal connections with his clients from the Hilton Garden Inn in Manchester. He was a dedicated and devoted worker eager to complete any task before him.

Fred dutifully and proudly served his community for many years as chairman of Manchester's Crimeline Program, as chairman of Riverfest, and as Parks and Recreation Commissioner. His commitment to service was honored in 2000 with the Mayor's Key to the City.

Fred took great joy in creating events small and large and he loved making a difference in peoples' lives whenever the opportunity emerged. Strong-willed and persistent, he had a gifted imagination for bringing projects of all kinds from start to finish whether a construction job, a packed Riverfest weekend, or a carefully planned party for his employees.

In midlife he was an avid camper, hauling a 32-foot Holiday Rambler around New England and Canada with his family, organizing camping rallies for many years. Fred reveled being in the company of family and friends and he particularly liked dining out and travelling. He also took great pride in his home, his flowers, and his backyard ponds.

Fred is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 58 years, Ginny Harris; his children Connie Harris, and partner, Roger Whalon, Steve Harris and wife Kim, Fred Harris, Jr. and wife Becky, Tony Harris, and Vincent Harris and husband Frank; sisters Gloria Welch, Elaine Horne, and Donna Mitton; sisters-in-law Cheryl McAvenia and Kathleen Bushnell; 12 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Fred was preceded in death by son James and brother Frank.

Services: A calling hour will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Ste. Marie Church, 378 Notre Dame Ave, Manchester, NH.

The funeral will follow with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM in the church. For those unable to attend the Mass in person, it will be live streamed at https://enterthenarrowgate.org/live-stream.

Burial with military honors will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11 AM in New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Highway Boscawen, NH.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Ste. Marie Church, 378 Notre Dame Ave, Manchester, NH 03102.

The Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH, 03104 has the honor of handling the arrangements.

For more information visit: www.connorhealy.com.