Richard Lee Harris

Richard Lee Harris, a beloved family man and distinguished journalist, died in hospice in Washington DC on October 2. He was 70.

Richard shaped some of the world's biggest news stories over the past half century as a broadcast producer for NPR's All Things Considered, news editor at NBC News, and senior producer for ABC News' NIGHTLINE for almost two decades. He structured a first-of-its-kind televised town hall between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in 1988 and secured NIGHTLINE's interview with Nelson Mandela moments after his release from South African prison.

Richard won 14 News & Documentary Emmys and a Columbia DuPont award.

Born on January 5, 1954 in Lynn, Massachusetts, Richard grew up a block from the ocean, cementing his love of seafood, the New England coastline, and his hometown Boston Red Sox. He graduated from Marblehead High School and pursued broadcast journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School, where he is celebrated as a standout alumnus in its Hall of Achievement. During his college years, Richard hosted a late-night Motown show on WNUR, where his alluring 'radio voice' captured the attention of fellow classmate - and future wife - Kit.

Richard often said that he pursued journalism to "shed light on stories that don't often get national attention." It was this desire to illuminate lesser known events and experiences that led him to connect Brandeis professor Morrie Schwartz with NIGHTLINE anchor Ted Koppel for an interview series that catalyzed a global dialogue on death and dying. That interview series inspired Mitch Albom to reconnect with his old professor and write the worldwide best-selling memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie.

Richard's colleagues and friends say he shaped and steadied the early days of NPR and ABC News' NIGHTLINE through his calm demeanor, clear vision for news production, and kindness for everyone he met. Richard also mentored countless young journalists who now practice their craft with his characteristic opening ledes, human-interest links, and balanced, fact-based reporting.

Over the last few years, Richard served as a consultant for iCivics.org, a civic education nonprofit founded by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. There, he championed her mission to make sure every young person in the United States has access to civic education.

Richard's life was enriched by deep connections with his family. He enjoyed playing word games with his sister, taking photographs of nature and family moments, bonding with the family dog on late-night walks, and savoring coffee and ice cream (or better yet - coffee ice cream). Richard spent some of his happiest moments as Papa to his three grandchildren - reading together, filling the bird feeder, and indoctrinating them into Red Sox Nation.

Richard was also known as the friend who would pick you up - anytime, anywhere - with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, or Smokey Robinson there to greet you from the car radio. Once he retired from producing daily news programs, Richard continued to enjoy (and dissect) nightly news coverage, weigh in on Final Jeopardy, and stay up through the Daily Show's signature 'moment of zen'.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kit (O'Connell) Harris; daughters Emily Harris, Susannah Harris, and Lily Harris; sons-in-law Duza Baba and Ben Estabrook; grandchildren Miles Baba, Cecelia Baba, and Norah Estabrook, and sister Debbie Mozes, along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred 'Millie' Harris and Lester 'Lefty' Harris, and his uncle Jonas Chaves.

One of Rich's common refrains - in the newsroom and at the dining room table - was "if you share what really happened, it has the added benefit of being true." Richard's legacy of warmth, respect, and journalistic integrity will continue to inspire those who knew him, as well as those who come across his articles and shows in the future.

A Celebration of Life honoring and remembering Richard will be held in early 2025. To honor Richard through charitable donation, please consider giving to:

The John Alexander Project: An initiative Richard helped found to launch up-and-coming journalists covering under-represented stories (www.thejohnalexanderproject.org/richard)

The Jimmy Fund: Official charity partner of the Boston Red Sox, supporting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's cancer research and patient care (www.dana-farber.org/gift)