Charles P. “Joe” Harris, age 90, a lifelong resident of Winchester, passed away on December 6, 2020, lovingly surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of Mabel (Shoemaker) “Mabs” Harris.
Born, raised, and educated in Winchester, Joe was the son of the late Thaddeus W. and Ruth (Newcomb) Harris. He was a graduate of Winchester High School with the class of 1948 and attended Tufts University. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served stateside during the Korean Conflict. After his army service, Mr. Harris returned to Winchester and obtained his Master’s Degree in English at Tufts.
Before joining the Landmark School in Beverly as the Assistant Headmaster, Mr. Harris worked at the MA Council for Public Schools. His presence, expertise, and networking were instrumental in the school's opening for students with dyslexia, and his lengthy tenure at the Landmark smoothed the path for the school’s successful evolution over many years. Administratively, professionally, and personally, Charles Harris enriched Landmark in every role he played.
An avid reader and lover of language, who had a gift for public speaking, Joe was a volunteer on the Board of Directors of Anchor to Windward, a non-profit agency dedicated to developing the full potential of adults with special needs.
His calling to model an example of inclusiveness and his lifelong support of the underrepresented were the hallmark of his character. Joe was a founding member of the Winchester ABC (A Better Chance) program in Winchester, which provides academically talented male and female scholars of color with expanded educational and career opportunities. He also participated in the implementation of the METCO voluntary school integration program in Boston. In his spare time, he was an active volunteer member of the First Congregational Church of Winchester, serving in many capacities, including Deacon.
In addition to his wife Mabs, Joe is lovingly survived by his children: Bill (Tonna) Harris of Bradenton, FL, Chip (Heather) Harris of Andover, Ted (Kerianne) Harris of Andover, Kate (David) Carpini of Winchester, and Peter (Casey) Harris of Topsfield, and the devoted grandfather of Michelle and Nate Stavseth, Madeleine, Kate, and Charley Harris, Andrew (Ally), Chris, Ben, and Emma Harris, Marisa, Jack, Harry, Mabel, and Sam Carpini, Cole, Mason, Will, and Fiona Harris, and the great-grandfather of Cooper Harris. He was also the dear brother of the late David, Bob, and John Harris and is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather briefly with the family at Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Saturday, December 12, from 1-4 PM, and are reminded to enter through the front door, wear masks and practice social distancing. A Graveside Service will be held at Wildwood Cemetery, 34 Palmer St., Winchester, on Monday, December 14 at 12:00 PM. Attendees are asked to meet at the cemetery gate. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Landmark School 429 Hale St., Pride’s Crossing, MA 01965, or to the First Congregational Church of Winchester, 21 Church St., Winchester, MA 01890.