Michael James Harris

Michael James Harris, 56, of Hartford, CT, a loving father of Vanessa and Luke, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, while at home. Born at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford on September 25, 1968, son of Louise Banks Harris and the late James Harris, he was raised in Hartford, attended St. Justin's Catholic School and was a graduate of Northwest Catholic High School, Class of 1986. After high school, Michael received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Hartford, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Connecticut. Professionally, Michael Harris had extensive experience in a wide range of leadership, management and financial advisory positions at various Fortune 500 companies including Cigna, Advo Inc., and The Hartford. Faith and community were central to Michael's life. Michael was baptized and was a lifelong member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church where he took part in Sunday School and youth programs as a child. He was also a proud and cherished member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., being initiated in the spring of 1992 into the Wesleyan University Chapter, the Nu Psi of Kappa Alpha Psi. Michael was affiliated with both the Hartford Alumni and New York Alumni Chapters of the fraternity, serving as the 21st Polemarch (President) of the Hartford Alumni Chapter. He was awarded the Northeastern Province's "Guide Right Director of the Year Award," for his stellar work in leading youth community service programming in the Greater Hartford Area. Michael's life was rich with passions and joys. He was a loyal fan of the New England Patriots, an advocate for social justice, and an avid follower of politics. Above all, he cherished time spent with his loved ones-especially his children, Vanessa and Luke, his nephew Marcus, and his niece Makayla. As a devoted father and uncle, excited new grandfather, loving son, big brother, friend, beloved and trusted mentor, with an all-around wealth of knowledge on a multitude of topics, Michael personified the very essence of life. Whether greeted by his contagious smile, or his joyous, welcoming personality, his strong presence and the warmth of his caring heart was unmistakably apparent to anyone who made his acquaintance. Michael's spirit lives on in his mother, Louise Harris of Hartford; daughter Vanessa (Harris) Cobb and her husband Sharen of Middletown; son Luke Harris of Vernon; sister Lisa Harris of Upper Marlboro, MD; brother Mark Harris of Hartford; granddaughter Valencia Cobb of Middletown; nephew Marcus Harris and niece Makayla Harris of Manchester; ten aunts, Mildred Blakely of Midway, FL; Callie Austin of Freeport, NY; Mitty Chavers of South Windsor, CT; Lena Williams of Troutman, North Carolina; Patrica Fudge of Houston TX; Eldora Anderson of Uniontown, Alabama; Minnie Monroe, Lula Moore, Jacqueline Washington (Alphonso), and Sherri Banks of Georgia; three uncles Lee Banks (Jannie) of Statesville, NC, Jimmy Banks (Crystal) of Hartford, Jeffrey Banks of College Park, Georgia, and a host of other close relatives and friends. Michael is predeceased by his father, James Harris; paternal grandparents Willie Harris and Lula Fudge; maternal grandparents Jim and Elnora Banks; and aunt Tracy Banks. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael, please visit our floral store.