Al Harris

Al Harris, of Girard, Ohio, entered life eternal at 11:35 am Tuesday, November 28, 2017, while a patient at Heritage Manor, Youngstown, Ohio, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 64.

Al was born October 12, 1953 in Youngstown, a son to Alfred and Christine (Kyrianes) Harris.

He graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1971 and furthered his education by receiving a bachelor degree in education in 1975, as well as a master degree in education in 1978, both from Youngstown State University.

Education was his passion. His working career provided him opportunities to teach in the Liberty School District, the Joseph Badger School District, and the Trumbull Career & Technical Center. While he was at TCTC, he was awarded the Outstanding Placement Director for the State of Ohio. He loved interacting with his students, whether it be when he was coaching sports at Liberty, acting as placement director at TCTC, or fulfilling the roll of high school principal at Badger; Al was devoted to the betterment of his students.

His memberships include the Ohio Education Association & National Education Association, and the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.

Family meant the world to him. He is survived by his wife, Cindy (D’Urso) Harris, whom he married on July 15, 1989; his son, Michael Alan Harris & his wife Jennifer, Powell, Ohio; his granddaughter, Kayla; his brother, Eric Harris & his wife Pam, Austintown, Ohio; his sister, Shirley Blazek & her husband Vern, North Lima, Ohio; his mother-in-law, Carolyn D’Urso, Brookfield, Ohio; his sisters-in-law, Cheryl Harklerode, Poland, Ohio, and Carol Looney & her husband Bill, Boylston, Mass; and his several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his father-in-law, Tony D’Urso; and by his brother-in-law, Carl Harklerode.

A time of gathering to honor Al’s life will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017, from 4-6 PM in the home of Briceland Funeral Service, located on the historic village green at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403, as well as in St. Thomas the Apostle, 4453 Warren-Sharon Rd., Vienna, Ohio 44473, Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 9-10 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in Brookfield Township Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

In appreciation for the heartfelt care provided to Al over the past month, Al’s family extends a special thank you to the staff of 8 East at Trumbull Memorial Hospital, Hospice of the Valley, and Heritage Manor.

As suggested by his family, memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of the Valley, Heritage Manor, or Emmanuel Community Center, all c/o the funeral home.

Coordination of this tribute for Al will be presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director. (330-509-3135)