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In Our Care

Matthew Marcellus Harris

4/1/1980 - 9/11/2018

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Obituary For Matthew Marcellus Harris

Matthew Marcellus Harris, 38, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 11th. He was a beloved son of Larry Harris (Springfield, MA), Retha Flack (Hagerstown, MD) and LuAnn Harris (Warren). Besides his parents he leaves two brothers, Zakaree Harris (wife, Lindsay, San Diego, CA) and Tyler Harris (Warren). Matthew will be terribly missed by his family and friends.

From a young age, Matt wanted to become a fireman. As soon as he was old enough, he became a volunteer with the Warren Fire Department, which became a second family to him. In 1999, he became a part of WFD Engine #1. He joined the Special Hazards Unit and served as a Lieutenant for six years. In 2011, he moved over to the Rough and Ready Engine #5. He was elected 3rd Lieutenant for Engine #5 in 2016. Matthew was a dispatcher for the Police and Fire Departments for the town of Warren, RI. He served on several house committees and was the current chairman of the Annual Pig Roast, as well as, the Chairman of the Annual Clambake Raffle. He was elected 3rd Lieutenant for Engine #5 in 2016 and held that position until his death. His voice on the radio, whether dispatching or responding to a fire call, will forever be missed.

Those that know him, know his family and friends were everything to him. He had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend. You knew he loved you if he took the time to tease you. If you ever received one of his big bear hugs, you know what it meant to truly be hugged. One of Matthews other loves was sports, whether it be football, baseball, or softball. One of his favorite past times was watching WWE wrestling. He loved to play, watch, umpire and coach softball. He was the Commissioner of the Bristol co-ed League, and he also coached the Beach House team, and the nWo team in the Warren co-ed league.

Calling hours will be Sunday, September 16th, 3-8 pm at Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI. The funeral will be Monday, September 17th at St Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main Street, Warren at 11am. Burial will be in South Burial Ground, Warren.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Warren Fire Department Relief Fund, or the WFD Rescue Squad, C/O Fire Chiefs Office. Address for both is 1 Joyce Street, Warren, RI 02885.

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Condolences

  • 04/27/2021

    To friends and family of Matt: So sorry for your loss.Harris was friendly likable easy going and hard to forget. I will never forget him

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt I will always remember you as one who would do anything for anyone in need, and your leaving us is a loss for all. You always made me smile, you will be missed.

  • 04/27/2021

    Words escape me and we are still in shock at your passing. We will never forget you and your beautiful smile. You touched many lives with your love for life. To your family, my husband and I are so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all.

  • 04/27/2021

    I still can't believe that you've left us. You always lit up the room no matter where you were. None of us will ever be the same and I am honored to have had known you. Godspeed, Matt.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt, your personality and humility will never be forgotten. From the day I first met you until the times we were busting each otherâ??s chops because someone messed up over the 890 frequency... these are the memories that Iâ??ll treasure for a lifetime. Youâ??ve taught me so much about what it means to be a happy, humble human being and I praise you for that. Until we meet again, Lieutenant. Rest In Peace. My condolences to the family and friends whose heart is just a little more empty after hearing of this tragic loss.

  • 04/27/2021

    A literal force of nature. The kind of person who enters a room and the energy literally changes because of their presence. It was an honor and privilege to know him. It was a pleasure to be part of the tribe that looked out for him, cooked for him, counseled him, suggested he maybe delete that from Facebook, and cheered him on to his next moment of greatness. Countless good times, some family friendly, some not so much. I'll always treasure football Sundays (I will continue to hate Ravens), and partying like rockstars (I'll leave right here the night he beat me so badly in flip cup, I ended up introducing myself to my own best friend). Thank you for sharing your journey with me, Chris and the kids. We'll carry you in our hearts forever.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt, I will always cherish your bear hugs, laughter and your loving company! You will forever live on in everyoneâ??s heart! Youâ??re the only guy I know that truly left a mark that will never be forgotten! I will always have a fireball shot for you! We all were so lucky to have you in our lives and now be our guardian angel! Youâ??re in my heart forever! Until we meet again.. Love you!! ð???

  • 04/27/2021

    Matthew could never just walk into a room. He BECAME the room. Your presence was something I always looked forward to, whether it be at Parella's, the fire station, the radio or Donna and Smitty's on Xmas Eve. To say you will be missed by hundreds of loving friends is a gross understatement. Your loss leaves a void beyond words or comprehension. I will always cherish the good times we enjoyed together with family and friends, I will miss them greatly. Godspeed, my friend, will miss you and love you.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt, It's hard to imagine living in a world without you. You exuded laughter, love, hope, and a positive nature every second of every day. We will miss sitting with you and sharing a meal. I will miss having the opportunity to cook you rabbit or Beef Stroganoff. I will miss discussing wrestling, Yankees vs Red Sox, Patriots vs Ravens, or just listening to your stories. We will miss your bigger than life embraces. Just knowing you were here made every day seem brighter. There was such a beautiful and positive influence than transcended all of the negativity and confusion of the world. You were fiercely loyal to your family. There will be no other like you. We love you dearly and we're sorry Lucy never got to know her Sicilian brother. Our condolences to your mom and your brothers. The entirety of Warren is mourning your loss.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matthew, Words cannot describe how devastated I am. You were my dude, my wingman, my go to guy, my best friend, my Lieutenant, my brother from another mother. And now you are the brightest star in the sky. The memories we share are like no other. All we needed to do was to look at each other and we would know what the other was thinking. I pray that I can continue to carry your legacy for many years to come. I love you! I miss you immensely! Until we meet again.

  • 04/27/2021

    There will never be any one person as compassionate as you Matt. You were the go to man with anything and for whatever reason no matter the time or place. I love and miss you dearly. You live on through us and we will forever stay strong because you want us to but for now, rest easy brother

  • 04/27/2021

    Matthew came into our lives about 7 years ago. He came in during a time we had some personal turmoil. He brought laughter and kinship to lives. As the years went on, he became our brother, FREMILY. We will miss cooking fremily dinners and our weekly Rummy 500 nights. We will forever cherish our friendship. Forever MMH.

  • 04/27/2021

    I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been one of the most important people in my life. There wasnâ??t many events, a night out, family or friend gatherings that I wouldnâ??t expect to see you. From being one of my first friends in town to being one of my forever people and all moments inbetween, I was blessed to call you a friend. I will always remember the sound of your laugh and the many expressions on your face. Thank you for loving me and I will always love you. â??For a life so big, it spilled over into all our heartsâ??

  • 04/27/2021

    My deepest condolences to you Master Chief Harris and your family on the loss of your son. My prayers for your peace and comfort.

  • 04/27/2021

    My heart aches knowing that today I had to say goodbye. 11 years of laughs, tears, and memories. From the shot contests at the Topside, to flip cup at the Nest, my favorite times were spent with you. My move to VA made us closer than ever, I just wish I spent more time with you whenever I came home. Forever your white girl named Crash ð??? Love you to Heaven and back.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt you were one of my best friends. I will forever cherish our good times together. I miss you so much. Until we meet again! May you RIP ��

  • 04/27/2021

    Though I haven't known you for very long, my heart is heavy today. Your welcoming smile and teasing sense of humor combined with a caring warm heart will be forever missed. Rest easy 'Big Poppa'. Until we meet again. Renee

  • 04/27/2021

    So sorry for your loss. Matt will be missed by so many! He was such a great guy. Always happy, full of energy and when he seen you he would always reach out and give a hug â?¤ Our hearts our heavy, Prayers ð???

  • 04/27/2021

    RIP MATTHEW till we meet again please continue to watch over all of us like you always did.. Love �� you always...

  • 04/27/2021

    They say that a manâ??s heart is a big as his fist. This was never more true for Matt, as the good Lord blessed him with both, in abundance. Prayers for strength and comfort to Mattâ??s family, friends and Station 5.

  • 04/27/2021

    Ms. Retha, so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this time.

  • 04/27/2021

    Sister Retha, Our Heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Matthew. A loving son~Beloved by all. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Andrew Ana Harshaw and son Joseph.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matthew we will miss you in our lives you are more than just a best friend you are our family we will remember you forever. Until we meet again my friend!

  • 04/27/2021

    Our thoughts and prayers to family and friends of Matthew Harris. He was always such a pleasure to be around. So sorry for your loss. RIP Matt xo

  • 04/27/2021

    So sorry for your loss . . . may treasured memories comfort you through your grieving process . . .

  • 04/27/2021

    LuAnn, my condolences to you and all your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • 04/27/2021

    My heart is shattered. You are going to be missed beyond what words could ever explain. I still can't believe this is real. May you rest in peace Matt, and I'll be waiting for you to visit me in my dreams. I love you! To Matt's family...I am so sorry for your loss. Matt always spoke very highly of all of you, especially his mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • 04/27/2021

    My deepest sympathies to your family. My life will be forever changed for having had you as a friend. My heart will never heal from having you taken away from us. May we all lean on one another as we attempt to travel along this road of life without you. "You'll always be my commish. ~ with love, your commish."

  • 04/27/2021

    I didn't know you well enough to be able to call you a friend, but I was fortunate enough for us to be friendly. As luck would have it, I am friends with a great number of people who were fortunate enough to know you well. Through the last few days I've been able to see, through their stories shared on social media and in the community, the immense impact you had on all their lives and the great joy your presence gave them. The impact you had on those who loved you was truly remarkable. Each of us can only hope to have had a fraction of that impact on those who we love when the time comes for us to meet our maker. Our deepest condolences to your family, the amazing members of the WFD and WPD who called you brother, and those who were fortunate enough to call you friend. From all of us at Tom's Market who will miss your presence, your humor, and your laughter. Rest easy brother.

  • 04/27/2021

    We are so sorry for your loss. Matthew was a great guy! May the God of Peace grant you a comfort that helps you weather this difficult time. Please know that your family is in our prayers during this difficult time.

  • 04/27/2021

    To Matt's family and the Warren Fire Dept we express our condolences on your loss. Matt will certainly be missed by the Band.

  • 04/27/2021

    Thank you Matt for always greeting me warmly, as a friend. My deepest condolences to Matt's family and many loved ones in Warren and beyond.

  • 04/27/2021

    Dear Retha and family, I am sadden by the passing of Matthew for I will always remember those times that I had the pleasure of being in his company at Tom and Cathy's house during family events. Love you and may God's tender grace and mercy sustain you during this time of mourning. Sorrowfully, Patti

  • 04/27/2021

    LuAnne, Please know that Richard and I are thinking of you during this time. Your and your boys and family are in our prayers. I know how much Matthew meant to you and that he will be missed. Love Janice, Richard

  • 04/27/2021

    There are not enough words to express my grief and love for Matthew. He and I have been through so much together, good and bad. He was there for me when my Alicia died. He was there for me when my house caught on fire. We tried different diets together, we tried different foods together. We loved to eat oysters! He and my daughter would fight over them. We loved to go on adventures. He was often invited to Ladies nights with the girls. We loved King Richards Faire, 210 Oyster Bar, birthdays on the Hill. Road trips will never be the same without my Big Chocolate. My heart breaks that I will never get a big bear hug again. There will forever be two empty holes in my heart for he and Alicia. But I do say goodbye knowing that he knows how much I loved him. Love and sympathies to you and your family LuAnn, Tyler, Zakaree, Retha and Larry.

  • 04/27/2021

    I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Matthew. This is never easy to face, in fact death can be viewed as an enemy. That's how our Creator Jehovah views it as according to 1 Cor. 15:26; which says, "And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing." May you find comfort in knowing this and that he has a longing to conquer that enemy, to undo death by means of the resurrection. Please visit jw.org for more comforting information.

  • 04/27/2021

    Harris, words would do you know justice. You were...are...a man of action. A man of smiles, laughs and good old fashioned fun. And that's all that will be left behind. Everytime one of your friends or family members thinks of you, there will be a smile on their face. Then they'll think of a memory they shared with you and then they will laugh. You are the embodiment of happiness and that will never be forgotten. I love you brother.

  • 04/27/2021

    We will all miss you my friend, you have left a lasting impression upon us all. We will be forever grateful to have had you in our lives. God Bless on your journey.

  • 04/27/2021

    Our community will never be the same without you & your infectious personality. We will especially miss our flip cup matches together. Rest easy my friend!

  • 04/27/2021

    Matthew, you were my best friend. I will miss you so much. You were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to and I will cherish all those memories/moments for the rest of my life. I will always keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. I love you to the moon hubs! LOVE ALWAYS, Youâ??re â??Wifeyâ??

  • 04/27/2021

    Matthew the Mansi family will miss you dearly. We have so many memories to hold on to. Started from when I was a young girl and you were like another cousin to me and always at family outings. The radios will never be the same without your voice. You became one of JPs many uncles from the station and he will miss you dearly. Ladies night wonâ??t ever be the same without our Matthew. To his family you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rest easy Matthew until we meet again!!

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt you will never be forgotten, we will have endless memories of you! I miss you terribly.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt you will never be forgotten, we will have endless memories of you! I miss you terribly.

  • 04/27/2021

    My prayers are going out to you and your family in your time of sorrow. You loved him but God loved him best. He is now walking with God's arms tightly around him. God bless you.

  • 04/27/2021

    There are few people who make a huge impact on those around them. Matt was one of those people. I'm not sure he knew how many lives he's touched --this community has lost a great man. I will miss his voice, his laughter, his jokes and his smile. I will miss him at Fireman's Memorial, where he drove Engine 5 with my dad riding shotgun, his presence at all the fire company clambakes...Christmas Eve at Donna & Smitty's and yelling at the Red Sox with all of us at Lou's. He had a passion for life, love, family and friends that will never be forgotten. Rest easy my friend. We all miss you.

  • 04/27/2021

    Matt,you always had a great personality,a huge smile and a heart that was just as big. You were one of a kind. From the first time you met my family you touched all of us. My children could not stop talking about you and how much they liked you. Matt. You will be missed but never forgotten. RIP my friend

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