Joseph Charles Harris

Joseph Charles Harris, currently residing in Canyon, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at Baptist Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Amarillo, TX. Beloved father and husband, loving brother, uncle and cousin, Joseph was born on February 19th, 1953 in Kingston, Pennsylvania to Joseph Thomas Harris and Mary Anne (Yesson) Harris, both preceding him in death. Brothers John and Thomas J. Harris also preceded him in death. Joseph is survived by his wife, Lisa Harris, and children; Lora Hurt (Casey), Gemma Harris, Jared Harris, Christopher Casaus and grandson, Callen Oliveira (Ricardo). He is also survived by his siblings; Gerald Harris, Mary Jo (Harris) Consoli (Tony), Charles Harris (Melissa), Bernadette Darrow (Jim), Therese Rieker (Michael), and Vincent Harris (Michelle). He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and adoring students, friends and colleagues. No one could laugh like Joe. His laughter was booming and boisterous and truly one of a kind. With a larger-than-life personality and remarkable talents, he built a career in both theater and education. As an artist, designer, educator, and mentor, he left an indelible mark on both higher education and the professional theater industry. His work spanned scenic/lighting/costume/sound and architectural design, acting, directing, event planning, musicals, and film. Top accolades include Bay Area Theatre Critics Award, San Francisco; The Big Easy Awards, New Orleans; 2002 Marquee Award, New Orleans; Dean Goodman Choice Award, San Francisco; and he was honored by World Stage Design in 2005 for his set design of Lysistrata for Loyola University New Orleans. Joe began his undergraduate studies at King’s College and later contributed his talents to Wilkes University, where he both taught and worked. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology from Texas Tech University. His artistic gifts and passion for the craft were shared from the east coast to the west and throughout the southeast, including: McMurry University (Abilene, TX), Culver-Stockton College (Canton, MO), Quincy Community Theatre (Quincy, IL), Lick Wilmerding High School (San Francisco, CA), Willows Theatre Company (Concord, CA), Loyola University (New Orleans, LA), University of North Florida (Jacksonville, FL), and most recently at AmTech Career Academy (Amarillo, TX). Beyond the stage, Joe’s creativity extended into the kitchen, where he had a true passion for the culinary arts. He delighted friends and family with his masterful cooking, artisanal bread and his own unique pickled creations. He was known for his stories, quick wit and well-timed one-liner jokes that could lighten any room. Joe was a seasoned golfer and served for many years as a volunteer and marshal for THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Music was another love of his - whether singing, picking out melodies on his guitar, or playing cowboy songs on his harmonica, he had a gift for sharing his warmth and joy with others. Joe’s creativity, humor, and boundless spirit will be deeply missed, his legacy and impact will be remembered by those who knew him - through the laughter he shared, the lives he influenced, and the memories made. The celebration of life will be held on June 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Roman Catholic Church in Dallas, PA. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carverton, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following, in memory of Joseph C. Harris: Culver - Stockton College, Friends of the Arts - https://4agc.com/donate/culver. Checks can be sent to: Culver - Stockton College, One College Hill, Canton, MO. 63435, ATTN: Advancement. AmTech Career Academy, Architecture Dept. Scholarship Grant. Checks can be sent to: AmTech Career Academy, 3601 Plains Blvd, Amarillo, TX. 79102, ATTN: Bonnie Boyd.

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Joseph Charles Harris

February 19, 1953 - January 18, 2025