William Leonard Harris

William Leonard (Bill) Harris, 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13th, 2025 in Auburndale, Florida at the Good Shepherd Hospice House with his family and friends by his side.

Born on August 14th, 1956, in Albany, New York. Bill was the son of Ernest W. Harris and Anna Semerano Harris. He grew up in Albany, NY, Baltimore, MD, Trenton, NJ, Hartford, CT and Wethersfield, CT. He graduated from South Catholic High School in Hartford, CT in 1974 and went on to study Architecture at Central Connecticut State University, Hartford State Technical College and Manchester Community College with a degree in 1979.

Bill dedicated much of his career to public service as a Transportation Engineer with the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, Aviation & Ports Division starting in 1984. He contributed to numerous projects throughout the state, including many at Bradley International Airport, helping shape the infrastructure that keeps Connecticut moving. He retired in 2011.

Bill lived in Wethersfield, CT until January 2018 when he and his wife Cathy decided to move to Four Lakes Golf Club Community in Winter Haven, Florida to enjoy their retirement years, while Bill was battling cancer. He fought for almost 10 years so bravely, with a never give up attitude, and always with a smile. Bill's zest for life inspired so many and his words of encouragement kept his friend's fighting their own health battles with renewed strength.

Bill's love for golf was reignited when they moved to Four Lakes where he played at least 4 days a week in leagues with all his buddies. Bill & Cathy also bowled for years in CT and Florida. The Four Lakes team formed with Randy & Lorie Reynolds won 1st place 3 years in a row. Bill was a huge sports enthusiast. He played baseball, softball, basketball and darts. Bill had a deep love for the New York Yankees, UConn men's and women's basketball teams and Nascar racing. He also had a fascination with Space Exploration, from Apollo Missions, Space Shuttles and Space X. Bill's eclectic music followed him everywhere.

For much of Bill's life, he, Cathy and family enjoyed many Myrtle Beach vacations and cruises in the Caribbean. He also enjoyed recently The Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, and a bucket list cruise last September to Turkey, Italy and Greece.

At home, Bill was known for his sense of humor and gentle spirit. His love for Cathy and his family was unwavering. Bill's legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he cherished and the impact he made in everything he did and everyone he met.

Bill is survived by; his loving wife of 29 years together, Cathleen Clegg Harris, his son James Harris and wife Erika, his step-daughter Kristin Porcello, whom he raised, and wife Anna. Step-children, Kelly Williams, and Kyle Johnson and wife, Kristin. His nine treasured grandchildren; Dae, Drew, Matt, Caede, Nick, Luke, Teddy, Delilah and Baby Porcello. Niece, Leanna Harris, mother-in-law, Peggy Clegg, brother-in-law, John Clegg and more beloved extended family. He is also survived by many old and dear friends; Ted, Joyce, Mac, Dick, Colin and The Four Lakes family.

He is predeceased by his parents Ernest and Anna Harris, as well as his sister Susan Harris, and her partner Corky. Aunt Angie and Uncle Butch and many other Aunts and Uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 25th, 2025 at 12:00pm at Four Lakes Golf Club, Great Room. 990 La Quinta Blvd. Winter Haven, Florida.

Donations may be made in Bill's memory to - George C. Forsythe Hospice House - Good Shepherd Hospice. 450 Arneson Ave. Auburndale, FL 33823.