CLASS OF 1961 | 2026 | SPRING ISSUE

1961 ARCHIVES | HOME
← 1960 | 1962 →

A note from Peter Funk: A celebration of Bill Harris’s life.

“I joined over 200 friends and family in New York City on January 10 to celebrate the life of Bill Harris, our classmate. Bill died in New York on January 20, 2025. The celebration was organized by Bill’s sons, Ben ’92 and David ’94. Amidst stunning projections of photos from Bill’s life, colleagues, friends, and family spoke with great insight into Bill’s many achievements and his love of his family, friends, sports, and travel. After graduation, Bill went into business. He then took a great leap and attended MIT, obtaining a PhD in urban studies and planning in 1977. He was the founder of the Kids Project, a public-action group dedicated to early childhood education and development, which he ran with his son David. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, whose district includes Middletown and Wesleyan, spoke of her family friendship and paid tribute to the tireless and expert advocacy of Bill, David, and the Kids Project. There were frequent mentions of Wesleyan. Emily Harris ’93 spoke of the family’s long involvement. Bill was a member of the Wesleyan Board of Trustees for many years and a strong supporter. Robie, Bill’s wife, died in 2024. She was a teacher and distinguished author, writing on childhood education and development. Bill’s family from all sides and generations joined the celebration. In addition to Ben and Hilary, David and Emily, Bill is survived by four grandchildren, two of whom are Wes alums: Sam ’23 and Ella ’24. The celebration continued long into the evening.”

Respectfully submitted,

DR. JON K. MAGENDANZ | jon@magendanz.com