Stephen Joseph Harris

Stephen Joseph Harris, 71, passed away peacefully at the Premier Rehab and Healthcare facility in Nashua, NH on May 16, 2025, after a short illness.

Stephen was born on October 6, 1953 in Dorchester, MA. He moved to Hanover, MA in 1967 and graduated from Hanover Vocational Technical High School in 1971, with proficiency in electronics. After high school, he chose to enlist in the Air Force. He worked on missile defense systems while in the Air Force, learning skills that benefited him greatly in his civilian career. He was honorably discharged in 1975.

Stephen worked for several years in the Near East on defense systems, with top secret clearance due to his level of expertise. He spent the second half of his career working for Sanders Associates in Nashua, NH.

Having grown up with a love of Boston sports, especially for the Red Sox, Stephen took up umpiring in his late 30s as a hobby, and went on to umpire softball leagues in the Nashua, NH area for 30 years. He was known as a knowledgeable, tough, but fair umpire. He also mentored many younger umpires in his later years, and was well known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the rule book.

Steven’s love for the Red Sox and the Patriots had him calling his father and brothers to discuss strategy and statistics, and he was not shy about referring to the teams as ‘those bums’ when their seasons were going badly. Stephen also hosted annual summer trips to Fenway Park to see a Red Sox game with his brothers and father, who were also avid Sox fans.

Something Stephen’s family looked forward to were his annual July 4th barbecues and pool parties, where family from Vermont and Boston would gather for fun quality time. The oldest of eight, Stephen also loved regaled his siblings and relatives with stories about growing up in the Boston area.

Stephen considered his dogs to be his children. He adopted several rescue dogs during his adult years. His latest rescue dog, Tommy, was his companion for the last several years.

Stephen enjoyed the last 15 years with his partner Jackie, and they would often visit family, go to the beach in warm weather, and vacation at Lake Winnipesaukee every summer.

Stephen was predeceased by his brother Brian, and will be greatly missed by his partner Jackie Coviello, brothers Kevin and Mark, and sisters Ellen, Mary Jean, Lorraine, and Debbie. He also leaves his nieces Megan, Phoebe, Charlotte, Kate, Isabel, and Eva, nephews Brandon and Max, and grandnieces Molly and Lottie.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.