John Terrell Harris passed away on June 5, 2014 after a long illness.He was born July 20, 1946 in Syracuse, NY to the late William and Marion Harris.
John grew up in picturesque Skaneateles, NY in the Finger Lakes region of NY State where he graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1966. His talent in woodworking and wonderful singing voice were evident even in these years.John was a member of the school's barbershop quartet that gained statewide acclaim through the National Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA).John enjoyed the natural beauty and surroundings of Skaneateles as well as the constancy and serenity that he found there – these qualities and values stayed with him as he shared them with those he met throughout his life journey.
After high school he joined the Army and served in the Signal Corp in Vietnam.In the early 1970's, Johnsettled in New York City where he applied his technical training in a variety of venues.John derived significant artistic and spiritual nurturing through his association with the National Black Theater (NBT).Working as the lighting technician, he participated in numerous NBT performances and even traveled to Africa with the group.John became an electrical power maintainer for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City and worked there until retirement.In 2007, he retired to Quarryville, PA where he built a basement workshop so that he could do as much woodwork as he liked.He also joined and lent his singing talent to the Lancaster Chorale and the Lancaster AARP Chorus.
John has demonstrated multiple talents -- adept in electrical work, plumbing and carpentry as well as vocal performance, painting and photography.Through art, John has combined his talents and sensitivities to create wonderful paintings and wood items.Much of John's work is in use in the home, including a massive walnut table and chair set.
Both family and friends identify John as one with a kind and gentle spirit who, in the end, provided a warm and peaceful persona for all.He leaves behind many who have been positively affected by this.John is survived by his loving wife Gloria P. Harris; sons John Terrell Harris and Jontel Lamar Harris; daughters Joyce Lundy (Patrick), Lory Levitt (Kevin) and Stephanie White; grandchildren Destiny Harris, Ebony Harris, Benjamin Levitt and Rachel Levitt; and cousin Jacqueline Jackson-Young.