Jefferson Harris

New London — Jefferson Wright Harris, 62, of Montauk Ave., passed away Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at his residence.

Mr. Harris was born on March 24, 1955, in Norwalk, the son of Thomas and Marilyn Harris. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician with submarine duty on the USS Will Rogers and the USS George Washington Carver. In 1999, Mr. Harris graduated from Southern Illinois University with his bachelor’s degree in workforce education and development. He was employed for many years in the eLearning department at Pfizer.

Mr. Harris was well known for his genuine interest in most anything maritime or military related. This interest led to his involvement with the following organizations: the New London Port Authority since 2009 where he also served as the chair in 2011 and had resumed that role recently; OpSail 2012 as the parade marshal; The National Coast Guard Museum as a “plankowner” and the New London Maritime Society Custom House Maritime Museum as a trustee for two years. He also held active memberships with the Waterford VFW; SubVets in Groton; and the American Legion in Niantic.

Mr. Harris is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Conor and Jennifer Harris of East Lyme; grandchildren, Shylah and Alexander; adopted son, Kenneth Harris of Shawnee, Okla.; sisters, Elizabeth Hurd of Guthrie, Okla.; and Kendra Schauwecker of Sementina, Switzerland.

Mr. Harris was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Harris of Oklahoma City, Okla.

Calling hours will be held from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, with a brief service to follow at 6:30 p.m. in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. There will be a reception following the service at the American Legion, 16 York Ave., Niantic.

Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes and directions.

Donations may be made in his memory to New London Maritime Society @ http:// www.nlmaritimesociety.org.