Ronald Lee Harris

Ronald Lee Harris, 89, of New Holland, formerly of Holland in Bucks County, died Friday, February 23, 2024 in his residence at Garden Spot Village after battling cancer for several years. He was known by most for his love of family, generous heart, and passion for Penn State.

Born in Union City, PA he was the son of the late Frank C. and Autumn (Roach) Harris. He was married for 62 years to Rose (Courtright) Harris, formerly of Union City, PA who preceded him in death on August 9, 2017.

In 1952 Ron graduated from Union City High School where he played football and baseball. He was the Class President and stayed in touch with all his classmates throughout his life.

In 1956 Ron graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. His engineering education, with a focus on hydraulics, took him to several jobs before joining the US Gauge division of Ametek, Inc. in 1972. He retired after 28 years as an Engineering and Marketing Executive.

He was an active member of the Lutheran church since 1958. Since 2004 he has been an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in New Holland. Before moving to New Holland, he was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Feasterville for 36 years. He generously gave both churches his time in various leadership positions through the years.

He was devoted to his Christian faith and his family. He believed family was life's greatest blessing. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in addition to the extended Harris and Courtright families.

He enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and discussing the ways of the world. But most of all he was known for his love and commitment to Penn State, particularly the football team. During his life, he attended 308 Penn State football games and was known for staying for the entire game no matter the score or temperature. He was a member of the Nittany Lion Club and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.

Surviving is a son, Rob, married to Debbie Harris of Port Matilda, PA, two daughters, Rhonda Maloney of Reading, PA, and Renee, married to Richard Pusey, Jr. of State College, PA; grandchildren - Kyle Harris and his wife Sarah, Alison Rose Harris, Shane Pusey and his fiancé Taylor Crossnohere, Tyler Pusey, Alex Maloney, and Owen Pusey; great-grandchildren, Declan Harris and Charlotte RJ Harris. He is also survived by two brothers, Paul Harris and his wife Kathy, and David Harris; two sisters-in-law, Jane Courtright and Martha Courtright Silka; and many nieces and nephews.

Surviving as well are many who saw him as their mentor and role model for how to live your best life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn (Harris) McQueeney.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 2 pm at Garden Spot Village, Garden Towers, in New Holland, PA with the Reverend Chet Yoder officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 1 pm – 2 pm. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Union City at a later date.

Ron was the first of his family to attend college and was committed to helping others further their education. He believes a $50 scholarship gave him the motivation to pursue his degree. He and his wife established two scholarship endowment funds at Penn State University for students from their alma mater, Union City High School. To date, 24 students in pursuit of Penn State degrees have benefited from their generosity.

To further support his passion for helping others who desire a degree, the family has asked in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Garden Spot Village Staff Scholarship Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557 or the Frank C. and Autumn G. Harris Engineering Scholarship at Penn State University, using this link - raise.psu.edu/HarrisEngScholarship or mailing to Penn State University, Donor and Member Services, 329 Innovation Blvd, Suite 311, State College, PA 16803 (Memo line: Frank C. and Autumn G. Harris Engineering Scholarship - SCDHB).

To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High-Eckenroth Funeral Home, New Holland.