Roland James Harris

1947 - 2024

Griswold - After a three-year battle with cancer, Roland James Harris passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, Nov. 21, 2024. Roland was born Aug. 9, 1947, to William Walker Harris and Anna Fiole in Norwich, the ancestral homelands of his Mohegan people. Raised on Dunham Street with his four siblings, Roland grew up in his Mohegan community, surrounded by family, and forging lasting memories through the lively antics of Dunham Street's children - tales that remain legendary to this day.

In 1962, Roland began dating Karen Harpin, and the two married in 1970. Together, they purchased and restored a historic 1700s colonial home in Griswold, where they built a life filled with love, family and hard work, raising their children amidst the home's rich history.

A man of remarkable determination and dedication, Roland was both a successful businessman and a tireless public servant. He was a licensed surveyor who started his civil engineering firm, Roland J. Harris & Associates, from the basement of his home. Over time, the business grew to include more than 20 employees and many projects throughout the State of Connecticut. Roland also served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department, eventually stepping into leadership roles and becoming a Connecticut Fire Marshal. His commitment to public service extended to town governance, where he served on Griswold's Planning and Zoning Committee and later, as the town's First Selectman.

In the early 1990s, nearing the end of the Mohegan Tribe's journey toward Federal Recognition, Roland volunteered as Tribal Planner. He later ran for and was elected to the Tribal Council, where he served for over a decade, including as Tribal Council chairman during the crucial years of Mohegan Sun's development. His leadership helped expand tribal government, establish the Mohegan public safety and fire departments, and lay the groundwork for the Tribe's infrastructure, education and healthcare initiatives. Roland often reflected on his work, saying, "The Mohegan people are the reason we are doing all of this." After his tenure on the Tribal Council, Roland continued to contribute to the Tribe's prosperity as senior vice president of Project Management for the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority. He later transitioned to a successful career in real estate with Coldwell Banker.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roland was known for his quick wit, jovial banter and love of family. He found joy in hosting gatherings, tackling home improvement projects and crafting furniture. In his later years, his greatest happiness came from playing with his twin grandchildren, Jase and Madeline, and spending time with his loyal dog, Maxwell.

Roland is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his children Sarah (and her husband Matthew) and Jared: grandchildren, Madeline and Jase: his brothers, Bill (and his wife Kathie) and John (and his wife Cynthia); as well as his sister Barbara Pack (and her husband Tom); and all of their families, including many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, who will forever cherish his legacy. Roland was predeceased by his sister Roberta Harris-Payne. His life was a testament to hard work, dedication and love for his community and his people.

A graveside funeral for Mohegan citizens and close friends and family will be held beginning at noon Saturday, Dec. 14, at Fort Shantok in Uncasville. In lieu of a Wake, the family will hold a celebration of Roland's life for those that would like to pay respects or provide condolences at 1 p.m., immediately following the funeral, in the Earth Ballroom, at Mohegan Sun. The eulogy will be delivered at 1:30 p.m., followed by an opportunity for others to share thoughts and remembrances. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Roland's love for his dog Maxwell, donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, https://cthumane.org/ways-to-give/?form=memorialtribute.