Brendan B. Harris, 64, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2021, afer a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was the son of John and Katherine Harris, born and raised in Alexandria, until moving to Urbanna four years ago.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bridget; and brother, Hudson Harris.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Susan Frazier-Harris; and his children, Carly Katherine and Teagan Joan Harris, Christopher (Agata) and James (Dawn) Arrington, Leighton (Tess) Brown, and Ritchie Math. He was proud Pop Pop to Thomas Arrington. He is also survived by his siblings, John (Kathy), Declan (Valerie), Lorrie (Peter) McKeever, Tim (Maureen), and Damian (Mary Cay) Harris; and many nieces and nephews.
He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Fort Hunt High School, and graduated from Lincoln Technical receiving HVAC certification. After working for a local business, Brendan started his own HVAC company, which he maintained for more than 20 years. Following in his big brother’s footsteps, Brendan became a firefighter for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. His firefighting career spanned 28 years in numerous positions, and he retired as a captain and one of the department’s safety officers. He earned many awards and certifications throughout his career.
In retirement, he managed Mount Vernon Park, a neighborhood pool complex, where he maintained the park’s grounds, pool, and managed life guards and staff. He volunteered at the both of his daughters’ schools in Fairfax County, and enjoyed assisting the cafeteria staff in the elementary school, where he became the “go to guy” for opening milk cartons for the children. He was a member of the fire department pipe and drum corps and director of the Mount Vernon Guard, a youth organization started in the 1950 by his father. The Guard marched in St Patrick’s Day Parades in the U.S., as well as in Ireland. Brendan was instrumental in coordinating and supervising these overseas trips. He also enjoyed cheering and supporting his children in their various extra curricular sports.
After moving to Middlesex County, Brendan quickly became involved in the community and served on the Town of Urbanna’s Pool Committee and worked at the pool prior to COVID-19. He assisted the town office staff and worked on the Urbanna Oyster Festival Committee, as well as with Hands Across Middlesex.
When reflecting on Brendan’s life, the words of Fred Rogers come to mind: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the Helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Whether in his role as a firefighter, as a father coaching a basketball team, or as a neighbor assisting with HVAC advice, a medical issue, yard maintenance, snow removal, child car seat checks, or lending a hand to someone in need, Brendan was a helper through and through.
His family wish to thank family members and neighbors for all of the well wishes, food, flowers, and prayers during Brendan’s illness. Your kindnesses mean more than you’ll ever know.
Visitation is planned for 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, June 23 at Jefferson Funeral Home, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria.
The service is planned for 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, June 23, also at Jefferson Funeral Home.
Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service and visitation will be limited to 75 people. Live streaming will be available.
Interment will follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery, 6600 S. Kings Highway, Alexandria.
A celebration of his life is planned for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 23 at Mount Vernon Park, 8042 Fairfax Road, Alexandria.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Key Center School’s PTA, 6404 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150, Attention Principal Ann Smith.
