Richard Jerome Harris

Richard Jerome Harris, 78, of Hampstead, Maryland passed away peacefully at Lorien Assisted Living Taneytown, Maryland on October 7, 2026. Richard was born in Yokohama, Japan on April 18, 1948, to Jerome Joseph Harris and Virginia Paine Harris while his father was stationed there after World War II.

Richard grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1967.

After high school he worked at various jobs including Vic’s Radio Shop in Bethesda. For many years he owned his own aquarium pet store in Columbia, Maryland where he eventually acquired his beloved military macaw parrot, Sarge, and double yellow-headed parrot, Stretch. He had a natural talent working with any type of electronic equipment. He was the sales manager and repair manager for many years at Car Sounds in Timonium, Maryland before opening his own repair shop, Richard Harris Technical Services. He retired from Sound Solutions, Inc. in 2018. He served as the Treasurer for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Upperco, Maryland for many years.

Richard’s mother was born in Bangor, Maine where he spent several weeks each summer in the beautiful home on Green Lake that his grandfather built during the late 30s and early 40s. This began his love of Maine, Acadia National Park, and long scenic drives. His favorite pastime was taking Sunday drives from his home in Hampstead, Maryland to Pennsylvania and Virginia to explore historical sites, wineries and restaurants.

He was an avid movie buff, amassing a collection of over 1000 titles that he meticulously labeled, cataloged, discussed and shared. He relished the ability to announce an actor’s movie and television credits long before the internet and IMDb. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy for many decades.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Genevieve Macon Harris. Stepchildren Richard Landes (Denise) and Heather Panagakos (Pete), and daughter Rebecca Harris Miller (Alan). Grandchildren Alex Panagakos (Lynn Krushinski), Natalie Panagakos (fiance Sean Dodson), Sophie Panagakos, Josiah Landes, Braeden Miller, and Noah Miller. Brother Robert Louis Harris, sisters Ainslee Harris Sadler and Deborah Harris Poole, brothers in law Bill Macon and Robert Macon, and numerous cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.

Richard was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. He was admired and loved by all. He will be truly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026 in the 3rd Floor Great Room, Lorien Assisted Living, Taneytown, Maryland, from 12 - 2pm. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of his favorite charities: Friends of Acadia, The Nature Conservancy or WETA public television.