Maurice Algernon Harris

Maurice Algemon Harris was born on December 25, 1958, in New Haven, CT, to Pearl Eleanor Harris and William Harris. He departed this life on February 5, 2025, at the age of 66.

Maurice spent most of his life in the Dixwell community, where he was affectionately known as “Reese.” In his early years, he attended St. Thomas Seminary with aspirations of becoming a priest. However, he later realized his true path lay elsewhere and transferred to James Hillhouse High School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Roberta A. Perkins. From that moment on, they were inseparable, building a love that spanned 50 years.

After high school, Maurice briefly attended South Central Community College before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Roberta. Together, they created a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion, welcoming Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. their beloved son, Maurice Harris.

Maurice was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and godfather. He especially cherished the time he spent with his son, sharing countless adventures and always being present for his milestones. Whether cheering from the sidelines as a dedicated football dad or supporting his son’s pursuits, Maurice took pride in being an active and loving father.

Beyond his role as a family man, Maurice was known for his warm personality and playful spirit. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures grabbing a cup of coffee, fishing, or working on his cars. He also had a special way of keeping his nieces and nephews on their toes, sneaking up on them with his signature greeting: “Hey kid! What are you doing?” or “Hey kid! What’s up?” While Maurice was a picky eater, he loved when his mother-in-law would cook for him. His presence brought laughter and light to those around him, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Though he is no longer with us, Maurice’s love, laughter, and the legacy of his 50-year bond with Roberta will remain in our hearts forever.

Maurice was preceded in death by his mother and father (Pearl and William Harris), grandparents (Stella and Milton Ellis), stepfather (Felix Chappell), sister (Tamara Chappell Beckton), brothers (Kevin Chappell and Michael Harris), aunt (Olive Mae Butler), uncle (Milton Ellis), as well as several other loved ones.

He leaves to cherish his wife Roberta A. Harris, son Maurice R. W. Harris, bonus child Patricia Chappell, grandchildren Skyler Reese Harris and Maurice R.W. Harris Jr., sisters Sr. Patricia Chappell, SND and Darea Chappell, brother Felix Chappell, mother-in-law Betty Mabery, brother-in-laws Ron Perkins (Geneva), Donovan Butler (Dawn), sister-in-law Devona Butler, godchildren Daniel Raucci, Ronyea Massey, Jakwon Kelly and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Maurice’s life will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10am at St. Martin de Porres Church, New Haven, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.