Donald J. Harris, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 28, 2017.

Don was born in Barton, VT, the son of Irene Harris, and raised in Groveton, NH. Upon graduation from high school, he proudly served his country as a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in the service, he met his love and future partner for life, Gertrude Johnson, whom he married in Jacksonville, NC on December 14, 1957. They moved to New Hampshire then lived in Holden for 25 years where they raised their family until moving to Worcester 16 years ago.

He worked for Zottoli Brothers Garage in Holden later George Luddy Chevrolet for many years. For the last 16 years he has been employed at St. Peter-Marian High School.

Don enjoyed watching Ice Cats and Bruins hockey games. He cherished the simple things in life and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His sense of humor, kind heart and compassion for others will be remembered by many.

His wife of 51 years, Gertrude L. (Johnson) Harris died in 2009. He leaves his children, Donald J. Harris, Jr. of Worcester, Ruth A. Robinson of Rutland, Cindy M. Desroches and her husband, David of Holden and Nancy L. Sturtevant of North Grosvenor Dale, CT; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. A great-grandson, Shayne M. Desroches, predeceased him in 2013.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Don’s family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 31, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service honoring Don’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1, at the funeral home with burial following at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.