Homeroom 39.  

It is with profound sadness that we announce Walter "Wally" Harris, 74, of Norristown passed away on December 5th. Preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Marie Kutz. Grandparents Walter Kutz and Emily (Sowers) Kutz. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Meredith (Austin Johnson), beloved like a son Frank Delfinis. Granddaughter Mykayla Harris. Chosen brothers and sister David Cherelli, Larry Cherelli and Bernadette Robinson. Many cousins and many friends who he loved dearly.
To know Wally was to know his love of the lord, his family, life and hockey. To know him is to know that his story is a story of never giving up.
Born in Norristown in 1950, he attended Norristown High where he had to briefly stop attending to care for his family. Eventually obtaining his diploma he worked many jobs in his young years including at his grandfathers store at the corner of Cherry and Marshall Streets. He went on to become a barber, did concrete work, worked for the Borough of Norristown and did drafting work. He went on to obtain his plumbing and electrical licenses and in the early 1980's he started his own contracting business. He was eventually awarded the maintenance contract for the King of Prussia Mall where he employed many great folks until the early 90's. He then went on to become an electrical inspector, arson inspector and teacher where he taught electric code courses (and other areas) at Delaware County Community College for 30+ years.
He was a founding member of the Norristown Hockey League. He was a member of the Blades hockey team and eventually coached as well mentored younger players as they came up in the league in the 1970's with the Junior Blades. This became a life long passion and most recently he helped organize and attended their 50th anniversary reunion.
He was President of the Board of Directors for the Elmwood Park Zoo in the 90's. Animals were always a soft spot for his big heart. He got great joy out of watching what the Zoo had accomplished in recent years.
He was a history buff. Always had knowledge most would consider useless until they needed it. Never lost a game of Trivial Pursuit. Enjoyed vacationing in Ocean City, NJ. Could never turn down a cup of coffee or a good Suzy-Jo donut.
The apple of his eye and light of his life was his granddaughter, Mykayla. Giving her the motivation and support to achieve her black belt in taekwondo. He was extremely proud of her and the fact that she is a straight A student. Where you saw him on the weekends you were sure to see his little sidekick right next to him. Whether it was out to breakfast, at hockey game, shopping or just goofing around with their inside jokes that nobody else understood.
In life and in death, he did things his way.
In lieu of flowers his family asks that monetary or food donations be made to the Community Interfaith Food Pantry at 506 Haws Avenue in Norristown.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.