Daniel T. Harris

On July 23, 2021, Daniel Thomas Harris, age 52, entered into a new journey to become one with the universe amongst the stars and the heavens. 

 Daniel was born at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange, New Jersey on January 5, 1969. He was the son of William and Patricia (Fahey) Harris. He was the youngest amongst his three older siblings, Cheryl, William and Kenneth. Daniel always cherished his Father, Mother and siblings, sharing his ideas, knowledge and witty sense of humor. 

 Dan was a graduate of Hanover Park High School, the class of 1987. Dan went on to further his higher  education as a graduate of the County College of Morris with an AS in Math and Science. He continued on as a graduate of Columbia University in NYC with a Bachelors of Arts in Economics. Daniel was highly involved in his educational studies and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. 

 He also had a profound interest in the electrical trade. At an early age, he studied as a journeyman to become a Licensed Master Electrician. As a member of NJ IBEW Local 102, he had worked as a union electrician for several years. Dan had his own electrical business which was an important achievement in his life. He was passionate about renewable energy. This passion led to his career as a Manager with NRG Energy. He held many advanced licenses for electrical and NABCEP installation for his professional trade. Dan was also a member of both the Zoning and Planning  Boards for the Town of Coeymans. 

 On July 27, 2013, Dan and the love of his life,  Beth (LaPorte) were united in marriage, after several years of courtship. Dan and Beth had a profoundly tender and deep affection for each other. Their love was unconditional. 

 Dan’s most precious gift he and Beth had created was their daughter Olivia. Dan’s time spent with Olivia was filled with gentleness. He had loved his daughter more than anything, knowing the importance of the relationship between a Father and Daughter. 

 Dan lived life as an explorer. He filled his life with both simple and complex experiences. Dan was uniquely his own person. He would spend each morning meditating, reading, writing and reflecting upon the importance of life. 

 Dan enjoyed literature, opera, art, science, math, learning, travel, nature, mycelium and mushroom foraging, star gazing, sunrises and sunsets, and rock climbing. 

 While living in Hawaii as a rescue diver and dive master, he had made the decision that education was his ultimate goal to success. 

 One of Dan’s favorite times in his life had been spent teaching at technical schools and colleges in NYC. His passion for the learning process was driven by a desire to improve and enrich himself and others. 

 Dan had met a variety of people from all walks of life. He had developed many meaningful friendships and impactful connections in which had shaped his perspective of humanity. 

 One of Dan’s most fulfilling moments was to sit quietly at home with his cat Duke. 

 Dan is survived by his beloved wife Beth and cherished daughter Olivia ; his parents William and Patricia Harris ; sister Cheryl Harris ; brother William (Lucy) Harris ; mother in-law Angela LaPorte ; brother in-laws Gregory LaPorte (Brooke) , Luke LaPorte ; nephew Thomas Hohenleitner (Taryn) ; nephew Kenneth Harris ; niece Samantha Swidrak (Michael) ; niece Diana LaPorte ; great nephew and niece Michael and Mia (Swidrak) ; and several uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. 

 He was predeceased by his brother Kenneth Harris ; his father in-law Paul LaPorte ; and his beloved cat Duke. 

 The family are planning a private mass for close relatives in NJ. Later on this year, a celebration of life will take place for the  immediate family and close friends of Dan and Beth. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations, in Dan’s honor: 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or go to www.stjude.org. 

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), 777 6th Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC, 20001-3723 or go to www.npca.org or donate by phone at 1-800-628-7275. 

Dan will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.  Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

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