Brendan B. Harris, 64, passed away June 8, 2021, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the son of John and Katherine Harris, born and raised in Alexandria, VA, 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 over 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 Mt. 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 daughter’s 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 Corp 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 kids 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. He assisted the town office staff and worked on the Oyster Festival Committee, as well as with Hands Across Middlesex.