Published in the September 18, 2015 edition
ARLINGTON — John G. Harris, 75, of Arlington and formerly of Melrose, died peacefully on September 11.
John was born in Boston to George and Efrosene (Chickles) Harris on January 15, 1940.
After high school, John joined the United States Navy; he graduated from the Officer Candidates School in Rhode Island and served honorably on the USS Lester out of Newport, RI during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his time in the service, John married the love of his life, Cynthia (Chronopoulos) Harris.
They settled in Melrose to raise their family, where they ended up staying for over 40 years before moving to Arlington for the last four years. John always had a thirst for knowledge; he earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern and then went on to earn his doctorate from Suffolk Law.
John worked as an attorney for the Smithsonian Institution in Cambridge for over 30 years in addition to running his own private practice in Melrose for 25 years.
He was a member of the Melrose Lions Club and used to sell hot dogs at the Melrose High Football games while his sons were in school. John loved old cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. He also spent a lot of time at his church in Woburn where he taught Sunday school for 25 years.
He was an avid racquetball player who was tough to beat on the court with his precise shots. Friends were very important to John, he was always the go to guy if you ever needed help, and he took great pride in being involved with his community.
Above all else, John loved his family, whether it was trips to the family home in Cape Cod, to Marco Island, Florida, or simply making everyone laugh at family gatherings, John was happiest when he was with his family. He truly will be missed by them all.
John is survived by his beloved wife Cynthia J. (Chronopoulos) Harris of Arlington, formerly of Melrose. He was the loving father of Gregory G. Harris and his wife Meghan (Searl) of Boston, and Christopher J. Harris and his wife Kristin of Arlington. He was the cherished grandfather of Catherine, Sophia and Nicholas. He was the caring brother of Christine (Harris) Petmezakis of Billerica, formerly of Melrose, and the late James G. Harris. He was the brother-in-law of Priscilla Harris of Salem, and Dean Cronis of NY. He was the godfather of Dean Harris. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation was held on Monday, Sept. 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose.
A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn.
Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Boston Medical Center, Office Development, 801 Massachusetts Ave., First Floor, Boston, MA 02118-2393, Tax Id #04-3314093, or to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave. Woburn, MA 01801. To leave on online condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
